Zariah
Overview
Zariah is one of the central characters in the JunkRats narrative and a member of the group later known as the JunkRats.
She operates on The Surface as a scavenger and weapons specialist, frequently assisting the group during encounters with Forsaken creatures and other threats found throughout the ruins of the former city.
Background
Zariah was raised within The Underground, the crater settlement formed after the devastation of The Collapse and the spread of the Forsaken Virus.
Unlike many survivors living inside the settlement, Zariah eventually chose to leave the Underground and survive independently on the surface. There she sustained herself by scavenging materials from the ruined city and constructing or modifying weapons from salvaged components.
Her experience surviving outside the crater allowed her to develop strong familiarity with firearms and improvised weapon systems.
Story
Zariah is a major participant in the events of the JunkRats campaign and serves as the group's primary weapons specialist.
Zariah first encountered Adrian, Lucy, and Gabriel inside a partially collapsed building in Dead Man’s Land while working on a modified rifle assembly. After a brief confrontation and discussion, the group invited her to relocate to their safehouse in Dead Man’s Land.
Zariah accepted and began assisting the team by repairing and improving their weapons and combat equipment. With her addition, the four began operating together regularly on the surface.
As their activities continued outside the direct authority of The Underground, the group eventually attracted the attention of Underground scouts. Zariah, along with Adrian, Lucy, and Gabriel, was arrested and charged with treason for diverting resources and conducting unauthorized operations on the surface.
The four were transported to an abandoned subway platform used for executions. Before the sentence could be carried out, structural damage caused by Forsaken growth destabilizing the surrounding tunnels triggered a collapse that destroyed part of the platform. The collapse allowed the group to escape and return to the surface.
[Spoiler]: Late Story Revelation
Later in the campaign it is revealed that Zariah is the daughter of Vince, the leader of The Underground. Her connection to Vince had never been publicly acknowledged within the settlement, and most citizens were unaware the relationship existed.
Personality
Zariah is known for her direct and confrontational approach to dangerous situations. She frequently responds quickly to threats and is often among the first to engage hostile targets during encounters on the surface.
Her aggressive approach to combat and her familiarity with weapon systems make her an effective fighter during expeditions outside the crater settlement.
Relationships
Zariah regularly operates alongside several individuals:
Together they form the group later known as the JunkRats. Their relationship develops through repeated surface expeditions and their shared conflict with the authority of The Underground.