Zuka

“Zukes” — nickname given by The Broker

Basic Information

• Name: Zuka
• Nickname(s): Zukes (The Broker)
• Pronouns: He/Him
• Species: Inphernal
• Age: 51
• Birthday: November 11
• Height: 6'4" (193 cm)
• Region: Blackrock
• Faction: Factionless (current); KORBLOX Administration (former)
• Occupation: Shopkeeper (current); Soldier and Ambassador (former)
• Gear Classification: Exponential Rocket Launcher
• Relations: Rocket (adoptive child), Darkheart (former friend), Sword (acquaintance), The Broker (co-worker)

Note: Inphernals are genderless and may use any pronouns. He/him is used for Zuka throughout this profile for consistency.

Appearance

Zuka is a tall, broad-shouldered Inphernal whose imposing stature contrasts with his otherwise unassuming appearance. At 51, he carries himself with the quiet heaviness of someone who has spent much of his life in service to others, though whether that weight comes from age, experience, or regret is difficult to tell. His movements are measured and economical, and he rarely seems inclined to waste energy on anything that does not require his attention.

His short gray hair is unevenly spiked, with stubborn tips that refuse to lie flat. A pair of snow leopard ears rises from his head, accompanied by a matching tail that provides a subtle reminder of his animalistic features. Four gray horns emerge from either side of his head, two on each side, curving around his skull before tapering into sharp, backward-pointing spikes. Their shape resembles Rocket's horns, though their coloration differs. The tip of his upper-right horn is visibly damaged, leaving a permanent imperfection in what might otherwise be a symmetrical arrangement.

A bandage covers part of Zuka's left cheek, adding to his weathered appearance. Whether it conceals an old injury or serves a more practical purpose, it has become a familiar part of his look. His expression is generally reserved, with a naturally unimpressed gaze that can make even an ordinary conversation feel like an interrogation. He has little interest in making himself appear approachable, and his face rarely gives away more than he intends.

Zuka's clothing favors practicality over presentation. A featureless, dark-gray peaked cap sits low on his head, its plain design offering little indication of the fame he once possessed. Around his neck is a lighter-gray bandanna, usually resting loosely against the collar of his zipped gray jacket. The jacket itself is functional and understated, equipped with pockets that suggest a preference for keeping useful items within easy reach. He wears light-gray trousers secured by a utility belt, which carries a small bag at his hip, and black military boots that retain something of his former uniform's utilitarian character.

His left hand is covered by a black driving glove. His right arm, however, is missing, having been lost during his youth. Rather than use a prosthetic, Zuka keeps the empty sleeve of his jacket tied into a neat knot. The arrangement is practical, if unconventional, and he sees little reason to change it simply to satisfy someone else's curiosity. Asking him why he does not have a prosthetic is an excellent way to receive a cutting remark.

Despite his age and old injuries, Zuka remains physically imposing. There is a quiet sturdiness to him, though he no longer carries himself like a soldier preparing for a fight. His presence is less openly threatening than it once was, but the impression of strength remains. He looks like someone who has already seen enough conflict to know that he has nothing left to prove.

Former Appearance — B. Zuka

In his younger years, Zuka looked considerably more muscular and energetic. Known in his earlier life as B. Zuka, he presented a much more conspicuous image than the subdued shopkeeper he would eventually become.

He wore triangular sunglasses, a blue backpack, and an orange bandanna that stood out against his baby-blue, short-sleeved button-up shirt. The shirt featured two breast pockets, giving his outfit a practical, military-adjacent appearance without sacrificing its distinctive color palette. A dark-blue belt and light-blue suspenders held up his blue-to-purple gradient trousers, while purple military boots decorated with golden accents completed the ensemble.

Compared with his present gray wardrobe, his younger attire was considerably brighter and more expressive. The contrast reflects not only a change in fashion but also the distance between the person he once was and the person he has chosen to become. His former appearance belonged to an era when he was physically stronger, publicly celebrated, and deeply involved in Blackrock's affairs. His current look, by comparison, seems designed to attract as little attention as possible.

The difference is especially striking when considering his missing right arm and damaged horn. The younger B. Zuka represents a version of himself whose life was still defined by his reputation and military standing, while the older Zuka bears the visible reminders of a past he would rather leave behind.

Personality

Zuka is a stoic, blunt, and deeply reserved Inphernal. As one of the oldest known mortal Inphernals in the Inpherno, he has accumulated more than enough experience to recognize when a situation deserves his attention and when it simply is not worth his time. He tends to approach conversations with the same efficiency he once brought to his duties as a soldier: identify the problem, address it directly, and move on.

He is not particularly interested in small talk, elaborate explanations, or unnecessary displays of emotion. When asked a question, he prefers to give a straightforward answer, provided he considers the question worth answering in the first place. His patience for foolishness is limited, and his responses can become remarkably sarcastic when someone asks something he considers obvious, intrusive, or downright ridiculous. His lack of a prosthetic arm is one such subject. Zuka sees no reason to justify his personal choices to every curious stranger, and he is perfectly capable of making that point with a single dry remark.

Although he rarely raises his voice or openly loses his composure, Zuka is not without a sense of humor. His wit tends toward deadpan sarcasm, with the occasional cutting observation delivered so casually that it can take a moment to realize he has made fun of someone. He is not especially concerned with appearing polite, and he rarely softens his words simply to spare someone's pride. Still, his bluntness is not necessarily an expression of malice. He values directness and has little patience for pretending to feel something he does not.

Beneath his hardened exterior lies a complicated relationship with his own past. Zuka was once a celebrated Blackrock soldier and ambassador, a figure whose name was known throughout the region. He occupied a position of considerable importance and was once deeply embedded in the faction's military and political life. Yet rather than take pride in his former reputation, he feels a profound degree of shame about the legend he became. The recognition that once defined him now seems more like a reminder of a life he cannot entirely reconcile with.

Despite this shame, Zuka is not entirely detached from his former home. He misses the version of Blackrock he remembers as a close-knit family, a place where loyalty and camaraderie meant more than rank or reputation. His feelings toward his old faction are therefore bittersweet. He has no desire to return to his former duties, but he still mourns the sense of belonging he once found there. It is possible to regret what a life has made of you while still missing the people and experiences that came with it, and Zuka embodies that contradiction.

His retirement was not an easy transition. Having spent so much of his life as a soldier, he struggled to adjust to the relative quiet of civilian existence. For a time, he suffered from night terrors, suggesting that leaving the battlefield behind did not immediately free him from its effects. Even after stepping away from his responsibilities, he had to learn how to live without the structure, expectations, and constant vigilance that had shaped his earlier years.

Zuka's relationship with violence has changed considerably as well. Despite his former position and gear classification, he no longer possesses the natural instinct to phight that other Inphernals retain. He does not relish conflict, nor does he seem particularly eager to demonstrate what he is capable of. In fact, he actively hopes that he will never have to use his gear again. His reluctance does not necessarily mean he has forgotten how to fight; rather, he has little desire to return to a life in which violence was an expectation.

He is, in many ways, a tired man who has already spent too much of his life being useful to other people. He has no particular interest in reclaiming his former glory or proving that he remains as capable as he once was. The quiet, ordinary routine of running a shop is enough for him, and he seems content to let his reputation fade into the background.

Yet Zuka is not uncaring. His concern for the other vendors at Crossroads reveals a more generous side to his personality. He is willing to lend a hand when someone needs assistance, often without making a spectacle of it or expecting gratitude in return. His kindness is understated and practical: he helps because something needs doing, not because he wants recognition for doing it. He may not offer comforting words, but he is more likely to demonstrate his concern through his actions.

This reserved generosity is especially evident in his relationship with Rocket. As Rocket's adoptive parent, Zuka is considerably more patient and affectionate than his usual demeanor might suggest. He accepted Rocket after the latter had blown off their limbs and raised them without demanding anything in return. His love is not conditional on Rocket being obedient, useful, or easy to care for. He simply considers Rocket his child, and that is enough.

Naturally, this does not stop him from worrying. Zuka strongly disapproves of Rocket's participation in Phights and has little tolerance for their fascination with pyrotechnics. His objections are rooted in concern rather than a desire to control every aspect of Rocket's life. Having experienced the consequences of violence firsthand, he has little interest in watching someone he loves follow a similar path. Unfortunately, Rocket's enthusiasm and Zuka's caution are not always compatible, leaving the older Inphernal to deal with the familiar frustrations of parenthood.

He does, however, have a softer side when it comes to Rocket's attempts to show affection. On his birthday, he begrudgingly permits them to organize a celebration, even if he would almost certainly prefer a quiet day without fuss. His reluctance is less a rejection of Rocket's affection than an expression of his discomfort with being the center of attention. He may grumble about the inconvenience, but allowing the celebration in the first place speaks for itself.

Ultimately, Zuka is a character defined by contradictions: a former legend who feels ashamed of his reputation, a soldier who wants nothing more to do with fighting, a blunt and distant individual who quietly looks after others, and a stern parent whose greatest concern is that his child might get hurt. He has not become an entirely different person since retiring from Blackrock. Rather, he has learned to direct his strength toward something quieter, more personal, and considerably more meaningful to him.

Lore and Background

A Life in Blackrock

Before becoming the owner of ZUKA'S STOP N' SHOP, Zuka served as a soldier and ambassador for Blackrock under the KORBLOX Administration. His standing was substantial enough that he became an exceptionally well-known figure within the region. His name carried weight, and his reputation as a legend established him as someone who occupied an important place in Blackrock's history.

His former responsibilities placed him in a very different position from the one he occupies today. Rather than managing a shop and assisting fellow vendors, he was involved in the affairs of a major faction, with all the expectations that came with his role. His ties to Venomshank and his work with the deities further suggest that his influence extended beyond ordinary military service. He has also been described as favored by certain deities, with Firebrand and Darkheart specifically associated with this favor.

Despite his past importance, Zuka eventually retired from his position and left faction life behind. His departure did not erase his connections to Blackrock, nor did it entirely sever his emotional attachment to the place. However, he no longer wishes to be defined by his former title or the reputation he built during his service.

The Cost of His Past

Zuka's missing right arm and damaged horn are lasting reminders of his earlier life. It has been established that one of the Swords was responsible for his injuries, although the identity of the individual involved remains unknown.

The circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear, but the consequences are permanent. Zuka has had to adapt to life without his right arm, and he has chosen to do so without a prosthetic. His decision is treated with characteristic indifference on his part, even if other people find it unusual.

The incident also contributes to the complicated relationship he has with the Swords. His acquaintance with Sword through Rocket's connections does not erase the fact that one of their number caused him significant harm. Whatever his feelings toward individual members of the group may be, the history between them is not an uncomplicated one.

Retirement and ZUKA'S STOP N' SHOP

After leaving his military career behind, Zuka established himself as a shopkeeper and became the proprietor of ZUKA'S STOP N' SHOP. His present life is markedly less prestigious than his former position, but it offers something his previous career could not: the opportunity to live on his own terms.

The shop also places him among the vendors of Crossroads, where he maintains a quiet but helpful presence. Though he is no longer a soldier, he has not abandoned the instinct to look after the people around him. He assists other vendors when needed and seems to have found a different kind of purpose in ordinary work.

His current occupation is not simply a replacement for his former duties. It represents a deliberate departure from a life in which he was expected to fight, represent a faction, and uphold a reputation. As a shopkeeper, Zuka can be useful without being a legend, and he can help people without having to resort to violence.

Becoming Rocket's Parent

Rocket became Zuka's adoptive child after blowing off their limbs. Zuka took them in and raised them unconditionally, without expecting anything in return. Whatever circumstances led to their adoption, his decision to care for Rocket became one of the defining aspects of his life after retirement.

Because Rocket shares his gear classification, Zuka taught them how to use their abilities. This knowledge gives him a direct role in their development, although it also creates a source of anxiety. He wants Rocket to be capable of looking after themself, yet he would much rather they never have to put those abilities to use in a Phight.

His disapproval of Rocket's involvement in Phights and pyrotechnics reflects the tension between a parent's desire to protect their child and the child's desire to pursue their own interests. Zuka cannot simply erase Rocket's enthusiasm, nor can he guarantee their safety. He can only offer guidance, establish boundaries, and hope that they will take his concerns seriously.

Despite his gruff manner, Zuka's commitment to Rocket is unwavering. He does not demand that they earn his affection, and his occasional frustration does not diminish his love for them. For someone who has spent much of his life being valued for his reputation and abilities, this relationship offers a kind of connection that is not dependent on either.

Relationships

Darkheart — Former Friend

Zuka previously worked alongside Darkheart and once regarded the deity as a friend. Unfortunately, that sense of friendship was not mutual. Darkheart viewed Zuka more as an amusing plaything than an equal companion, creating a significant imbalance in their relationship.

The revelation casts a shadow over what Zuka may have believed was a genuine bond. Given his tendency to value loyalty and his lingering nostalgia for the close-knit relationships he associated with Blackrock, the experience may have reinforced his reluctance to place too much trust in others.

Despite no longer working together, Darkheart continues to behave in a familiar, chummy manner toward Zuka. Whether this reflects genuine fondness, lingering amusement, or simply Darkheart's established attitude toward him, it does not change the fact that Zuka's understanding of their former friendship was fundamentally different from Darkheart's.

Illumina — Enemy or Antagonistic Acquaintance

Zuka despises Illumina. The precise reasons for this hostility have not been established here, but the strength of his dislike distinguishes this relationship from his more indifferent interactions with others.

For someone as reserved as Zuka, outright animosity is notable. He rarely seems interested in wasting emotional energy on people he does not care about, making his hatred of Illumina a meaningful exception. The source and full extent of this conflict remain unclear.

Rocket — Adoptive Child

Rocket is Zuka's adopted child and an assistant at his shop. Their relationship reveals the most openly caring aspect of Zuka's character, even if his affection is rarely expressed through sentimental language.

Zuka raised Rocket unconditionally and taught them to use their shared gear classification. He supports them in practical ways and remains committed to their well-being, but he strongly opposes their participation in Phights and their interest in pyrotechnics.

His protectiveness can make him seem overbearing, especially when Rocket wants to explore interests he considers dangerous. Nevertheless, his concerns come from experience rather than indifference to their independence. Zuka knows that the world can be unforgiving, and he would rather endure Rocket's complaints than watch them suffer preventable harm.

Rocket, in turn, is willing to make an effort to show their affection, even if their attempts occasionally leave Zuka reluctantly tolerating celebrations he would never arrange for himself. Their relationship balances Rocket's energetic enthusiasm against Zuka's habitual restraint, creating a bond that is affectionate without requiring either of them to behave like someone they are not.

Sword — Acquaintance

Zuka knows Sword through Rocket's connection to them. Their relationship is therefore indirect, and the available information does not establish a particularly close bond between the two.

However, Zuka's history with the Swords complicates the connection. One of their number was responsible for the loss of his right arm and damage to his horn, although it remains unknown which individual caused the injuries.

This unresolved history creates room for tension, caution, or distrust without necessarily establishing that Zuka holds every Sword personally responsible. His present relationship with Sword remains an acquaintance-level connection, with the details of their interactions left open.

The Broker — Co-worker

The Broker and Zuka work together, with The Broker referring to him by the nickname “Zukes.” The Broker considers Zuka a friend, but the feeling is not reciprocated to the same degree.

Zuka appears to regard their relationship primarily as a professional arrangement. He is willing to work alongside The Broker, but he does not necessarily share the same desire for personal closeness. This creates a mildly lopsided dynamic in which one party believes the relationship is more meaningful than the other does.

Given Zuka's reserved personality, this does not necessarily mean he dislikes The Broker. He may simply draw a firm distinction between being willing to work with someone and considering them a friend. The Broker's familiarity with him, meanwhile, suggests that Zuka's bluntness and emotional distance have not prevented them from maintaining an ongoing working relationship.

Trivia

• Zuka is a quiet snorer.
• Despite his former reputation as a legendary soldier, he would prefer never to use his gear again.
• He no longer possesses the natural instinct to phight that other Inphernals have.
• He has a complicated relationship with Blackrock: he regrets his past as a legend but misses the close-knit community he remembers.
• He struggled to adjust to civilian life after retirement and experienced night terrors for a period.
• He has four gray horns, with the tip of his upper-right horn damaged.
• He lost his right arm during his youth and keeps the empty sleeve tied into a knot rather than wearing a prosthetic.
• He is protective of Rocket and disapproves of their participation in Phights and their interest in pyrotechnics.
• Although he dislikes being the center of attention, he begrudgingly allows Rocket to celebrate his birthday.
• His dry humor and blunt responses make him considerably less approachable than his actions toward the other vendors might suggest.

Character Summary

Zuka is a retired Blackrock legend who has traded military service for the comparatively quiet life of a shopkeeper. Tall, weathered, and unmistakably reserved, he carries the visible and emotional remnants of a past he would rather not revisit. His bluntness, sarcasm, and reluctance to discuss personal matters make him appear cold, but his willingness to help others reveals a quieter generosity beneath the surface.

He is neither proud of his former glory nor entirely free of nostalgia for the life he left behind. He misses the camaraderie he once associated with Blackrock, yet has little desire to return to the role that made him famous. Instead, he finds purpose in the ordinary responsibilities of his shop and, above all, in raising Rocket.

For all his stoicism, Zuka remains someone who cares deeply. He simply expresses that care through practical assistance, reluctant compromises, and the steady presence of someone who intends to stay. He may not be a soldier anymore, but he has not stopped looking after people. He has merely chosen a life in which protecting others no longer needs to involve becoming a legend.