Illustration Yashioka Shō
| Zaj Quiroz ザジ・キュイロス, Zaji Kyuirosu | |
Illustration Yashioka Shō .png) Illustration Yashioka Shō | |
| Gender | Male |
|---|---|
| Race | Human |
| Age | 22 (G1 & G2) |
| Birth Year | SY 439 |
| From | Sanadia, Holy Kingdom of Harmonia |
| Appears in | |
Zaj Quiroz (ザジ・キュイロス, Zaji Kyuirosu), also known by the alias Thanatos Crawford (サナトス・クロフォード, Sanatosu Kurofōdo), is the main antagonist of Genso Suikogaiden Vol.1 and Genso Suikogaiden Vol.2. Zaj is a survivor of Harmonian annexation who burns with hatred for his conquerors.
History
Early life and education
Zaj Quiroz, his real name unknown, grew up in annexed Sanadia, a country that resisted and fell to the subjugation of the neighboring Holy Kingdom of Harmonia during a time when Harmonia was actively expanding its territory in the 420s-430s.
As per Harmonian assimilation policy, citizens of annexed territories, including Zaj, received Harmonian 3rd-Class citizenship. This meant that Zaj, like all Sanadian children, was sent to affluent households in Crystal Valley to work and be educated in Harmonian ways.
Upon his return to Sanadia at the age of 13, Zaj witnessed the internalized hate towards Sanadia and the romanticization of Harmonian values among his own people. This experience left him with a burning desire for vengeance against Harmonia, which led him to undertake the membership test for the Howling Voice Guild. Despite being over the acceptance age, he successfully qualified for the guild.
Becoming a squire-class gunner and wielding the gun Tal Grund, his ultimate goal was to gain influence in both the Harmonian government and the Howling Voice Guild, allowing him to create a climate of fear and power. Due to his pursuit of strength, he acquired the epithet "Zaj of the Black Moon" from those who knew his dark inner nature.
Political career
He maneuvered himself into the most influential noble family in Harmonia, the Latkje household, under the alias of a tutor. Dedicated to his goal, he altered himself entirely, becoming Zaj Quiroz. By adopting a false name, hair color, and personality as a tutor he worked to win the family's favor. Zaj eventually became engaged to Julie Latkje, further solidifying his position.
Zaj's plot to gain power included poisoning Julie's father through the use of guild poisons, bringing him closer to achieving his ambitions. However, Nash Latkje, who had also spent time in the guild, uncovered his plan and attacked Zaj on the eve of his wedding to Julie, leaving him for dead.
Although it was believed that Zaj died from the poison of the Twin Snake Sword Großer Fluss, he managed to survive with the help of remedies from the Howling Voice Guild. Taking on a new identity as Thanatos Crawford, he seized control of the declining Temple Faction Crawford family, allowing him to re-enter Harmonian politics and maintain considerable influence with the Howling Voice Guild.
Harboring intense hatred towards Nash, Zaj manipulated events in Highland to make Nash a wanted man by the Highland Army. His ultimate plan was to make it appear as if Nash had failed his mission and was killed in action. When this plan failed, Zaj confronted Nash in Greenhill City, seeking the day he could return to Crystal Valley.
Eventually, Zaj would reveal himself and confront Julie, announcing that their wedding was back on. However, Nash's return to Crystal Valley led to a final confrontation at Klotzeo Church, where Zaj fought a fierce battle but was ultimately defeated and killed by Nash in a final duel.
Genso Suikoden Card Stories TCG
| Card # | Name | Type | Release |
|---|---|---|---|
| 238 | Zaj |  Free
|
Booster Pack Vol.2 |
| CS2-286 | Nash & Zaj |  Leader
|
CS2 Booster Pack Vol.3 |
| CS2-569/R238 | Zaj | Free
|
Remake Booster |
Gallery
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Genso Suikogaiden Vol.1 artwork by Yashioka Shō
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Genso Suikoden Card Stories TCG artwork by Yashioka Shō
References
- Genso Suikoden Encyclopaedia (ISBN 4-575-16297-3), pages 92, 115-6, 117
- Genso Suikoden Kiwami Encyclopedia, pages 250, 252-3
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