Maz

Maz is the oldest of Izzy's cousins and an aide in the Shamone family restaurant business. He helps assess Gary Dem as Izzy's new ally, then becomes a practical contact for the family's proposed relationship with the Howlers.

Biography

Testing Gary and opening a business relationship

Maz drives the Shamone food van that collects Izzy and Gary for a meeting with her parents. Along the way, he questions whether Gary can protect Izzy and support a family, reflecting the cousins' suspicion of her gang alliance. At a newly established gang checkpoint, Maz chooses negotiation because they are outside their territory. He tries to reduce the invented fee and physically stops an enforcer from entering the van, but is struck and nearly beaten with a bat before Gary intervenes. The experience exposes the limit of the family's money and intimidating appearance in a town controlled by violence. (Chapters 593–595)

Maz introduces Gary to Mr. and Mrs. Shamone and later reports that Gary has taken control of the checkpoint's town for the Howlers. Ordered to arrange a meeting, he agrees that the unexplained takeover is probably connected to Gary. His latest position is therefore not as a fighter, but as a family business intermediary helping turn Izzy's personal alliance into possible cooperation between the Shamone Group and the Howlers. (Chapters 596–597)

Appearance and personality

Maz is a muscular man who wears a sleeveless shirt and bandana while working with the family's cooks. Despite looking like a fighter, he is described as a friendly giant who has never been in a fight. He is protective and willing to ask Gary uncomfortable questions, but responds to danger with negotiation and concern for the whole group rather than pride. (Chapters 593–595)

Powers and abilities

Maz demonstrates no supernatural ability and is not identified as an Altered. His muscular build lets him remain standing after a surprise punch, but he has no fighting experience and cannot stop an armed gang enforcer. His relevant skills are driving, food-business work, family coordination, gathering local information, and arranging commercial contact. (Chapters 593–597)

Relationships

• Izzy: Maz is Izzy's older cousin and joins the family effort to judge whether her alliance with the Howlers is safe.
• Gary Dem: Maz initially tests Gary's ability to protect and provide, then sees evidence that Gary's influence and restraint are greater than expected.

Items

No finalized inventory item is configured for Maz; the food van belongs to the Shamone family business rather than to him personally.