- "I use my skills as an apothecary to keep the people of Clearbrook hale and hearty." —Zeph
Zeph is a character in Octopath Traveler and one of the two deuteragonists of Alfyn's story (alongside Ogen). He works as an apothecary in Clearbrook.
Profile[]
Appearance[]
Zeph is a man with light brown hair, pale skin, and brown eyes. Similarly to Alfyn, he wears a light green jacket and tan pants. He also has black boots, a dark gray shirt, and a brown satchel.
Personality[]
Zeph is a kind, compassionate apothecary with a heart for healing others. He encourages Alfyn in his time of need, supporting his friend on his journey. Despite his skill as an apothecary, Zeph has also proven himself prone to outbursts of anger in times of panic, and he becomes embarrassed when complimenting his friend.
Story[]
When Zeph and Alfyn were young, Zeph's father trained them as apothecaries together. Unfortunately, while Zeph and his sister Nina were still at a tender age, their parents died of the Great Pestilence that ravaged the Riverlands. The Great Pestilence was the one disease that their father didn't know how to cure, rendering his death all the more tragic.
Zeph grew closer to Alfyn in his parents' absence, and the two eventually paired together to run a joint apothecary business. Zeph was in charge of the "the books," overseeing their finances.
Chapter 1[]
After a long day of healing the people of Clearbrook, Zeph finds Alfyn at his mother's grave. The two talk for a little while before they both hear the news that Nina has fallen ill, leading them to run to her aide. After figuring out the probable cause of Nina's sudden illness, Zeph offers to get venom from the viper that bit Nina in order to heal her. Nina, however, stops him from going away, disliking the idea of her brother being away. As a result, Alfyn goes after the viper instead.
After Nina is healed, Zeph meets up with Alfyn again and helps convince him to go on a journey. The two trade satchels and Alfyn leaves.
Chapter 4[]
Alfyn finds a letter from Zeph buried deep in his satchel.
"To my dear friend, Alfyn -
When you find this letter, no doubt you'll be off in some far-flung village somewhere. I was more than happy to urge you on in your journey, but truth be told… I was just a bit worried about you. Worried that along the way, you'd find someone and take on all their pain and suffering as your own. You’ve always had a sensitive streak, after all. But should you ever find yourself losing the courage of your convictions… Remember what we learned together…
Alf - I’ve always admired your selflessness. In helping others, you think nothing of yourself. In that sense, you’re the best apothecary and the best friend anyone could ask for - You have nothing to worry about. Nothing to fear. So go out there, Alf, and do what you feel is right. With your heart at ease and your head held high."
With this reassurance, Alfyn is able to journey on.
Relationships[]
Nina[]
Nina is Zeph's younger sister and sole living relative. Because of this, she means the world to him and he would do anything to keep her safe.
Alfyn Greengrass[]
Alfyn is Zeph's childhood friend. The two are extremely close, especially because the pair grew up without many of their relatives and thus only really had each other. Alfyn refers to Zeph as "big brother," demonstrating the depth of their bond. In their youth, they studied to become apothecaries together, and continue to work alongside one another.
Zeph admires Alfyn, particularly for his selflessness, but has also been shown to worry about him quite a bit. He knows that Alfyn can be a little naive and worries about him in that sense while also worrying that he may take on too much at a time. Despite the fact that the pair have been close friends for years, Zeph still gets embarrassed complimenting him, such as when he put a letter in Alfyn's satchel.
Mercedes[]
As children, Zeph and Mercedes spent a lot of time reading together and spending time with each other in general, leading to him falling in love with her and writing her a letter. He was so worried about giving it to her before she left, however, that he asked Alfyn to give it to her (who forgot).
Years later, the two reunite, catch up, and fall in love all over again.
Quotes[]
- "Today is such a beautiful day! When I'm done working, we sit down and read together like this..." —With Mercedes, sidequest complete
- "It would be my pleasure to show you around the village." —Guide
- "I need to hurry home or I risk raising Nina's ire." —Part Ways
- "So many people end up leaving the village..." —Purchase
- "I prefer not to engage in matters of the sword." —Challenge
- "I find your dancing to be rather hypnotic." —Allure
- "A monster? This is an excellent opportunity to procure ingredients for my medicines." —Provoke
- "Nnngh..." —Defeated
- "That is not how one behaves in a civilized society!" —Allure/Steal (Failure)
Gallery[]
Etymology[]
"Zeph" is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "hidden by God," symbolizing divine protection. This name likely represents Zeph's work as a healer, though it may also call to the mind the term "zephyr," which refers to a gentle breeze. The image of a zephyr suits Zeph as a compassionate, uplifting friend and apothecary.
Trivia[]
- In the game's files, Zeph has a last name: Creston.
- According to Nina, Zeph likes waterbloom flowers.
- Although Zeph never appears as a child in game, he has a child sprite in the game's files.