Soldier of Babel
Born: The southern marshlands of Shinar
Home: Babel
Known for: His strength, barley beer and lifelong friendship with Kabtu
First recorded in: The Lion of Shinar
The Chronicle
Puzur grew up in the southern marshlands near Ur, where he and Kabtu were friends from childhood. A year older and already the stronger wrestler, he rarely lacked confidence in their contests. His mother’s death left him with a cruel father whose dependence on poppy ash had consumed much of their home life. Kabtu’s father, Eber, offered him refuge when he discovered the extent of the abuse.
By his years in Babel, Puzur is a stocky soldier with a large appetite and a persuasive account of his own abilities. He maintains that he would have made a fine king had the lion crossed his path instead of Nimrod’s. His usual ambitions are modest enough: get through the day, then spend the evening drinking with his friends and Mara.
Brewing receives considerably more care than many of his duties. Puzur takes pride in his barley beer, using fresh juniper branches beneath the mash basket to improve the flavour. Asking about a batch will earn a lengthy explanation of the process, familiar to anyone who drinks with him regularly. Old friends are expected to share generously in the finished brew, whatever plans they may have made for the evening.
Mara knows the full extent of his drinking and boasts, and argues with him freely. Puzur playfully introduces her as his wife despite her repeated objections and their unmarried state. The pair depend on each other, though their quarrels can make that difficult for anyone else to understand. He admits little of how much she means to him. A comfortable life in Babel includes Mara, however loudly he complains about her part in it.
