Mero Yereno Firo
General
Mero Yereno Firo is an Aerznian politician, member of the Magotho dynasty, and important character in the Iron Gate Saga.
Appearance
Mero is of slender, tall stature, with long hair that he often braids. He has gray eyes and tanned to dark skin.
Personality
Mero is considered gentle and an outstanding companion, as well as a flatterer and ladies' man. Nevertheless, he is loyal and honest, with a genuine interest in the common good. He has a strong passion for art, music, and history.
Life
Mero, like his cousins Len and Lourem, is not raised solely by his parents, but instead by allies of the Magotho family. While his father, Raecar, and his aunt, Ceñua, remain in exile at the Thorntoll, Mero is placed within influential Aerznian circles through his family's network.
Growing up as an Aerznian, Mero develops a strong interest in the arts, particularly music, poetry, and history. He only reluctantly follows the political path that his family has set out for him. In the positions he attains, Mero strives to implement meaningful measures for the common good, yet he is repeatedly confronted by the oligarchic reality of the Aerznian Empire. His efforts against slavery in Aerznia oust him from political life for a time.
Though he initially maintains a distant and difficult relationship with Raecar and Ceñua, Mero ultimately accepts their claim that a restored Imperii Draconi would eradicate such systemic issues. Motivated by this belief, he becomes increasingly involved in intrigues aimed at dismantling the corrupt Aerznian system. Over time, Mero gains influence and sheds his reputation as a laughable outsider.
Eventually, Mero becomes an advisor to the Aerz-Magister Paunio II., whom he despises, but whom he supports and manipulates under the orders of his clan.
Mero is able to free his enslaved cousin Len in 7017 A.I.D., following information from his clan, and later also meets Lourem. Initially, he plans to inform Raecar and Ceñua of the whereabouts of his cousins, but decides against it, recognizing that they wish to take a break from their struggles.
When the Akrehdei invade Aerznia one year later, Mero is confronted with the harsh reality by Raecar and Ceñua. He is forced to acknowledge that his clan, in its pursuit of power, is no better than the Aerznian system he despises. Although initially apathetic and feeling powerless, Mero is convinced by Len and Lourem to rise against Raecar and Ceñua. With his help, they succeed in deposing the two.
