Cloda Mal'fer
"The girl reminded Oddsman of a sister he had in a life long ago. Cloda also had a younger brother to protect, which endeared her to him even more. His memories felt closer when she was around, and it was this charm that made everything else about her tolerable." This piece is part of a story I’ve been developing.
Character Bio: Cloda MalFer (pronounced 'Mal-Faire') was orphaned at a young age along with her little brother, Zo. The two of them became the adopted wards of Lady Aiden Claude and serve in the defense of Old Kingdom against Rhezzian occupancy. Though she is only a teenager, she is endowed with serious grit; once she sets her mind to something no amount of failure or doubt will dissuade her. She is a considerably talented thief and a capable fighter. As is quite common with girls her age, Cloda is fickle in the realm of love and a bit free-wheeling when it comes to her emotions. The surname MalFer, which translates roughly to 'bad iron', is ubiquitous among her people. It was a name used by the original inhabitants of Old Kingdom as a slur to describe their 'rust haired' subjugators.
Adonis
“She was flattered they had sent him to do the job. It meant that what they were doing out here really mattered; that finally after all this time those weasels would pay for their desertion.” This piece is part of a story I’ve been developing.
Character Bio: Standing nearly seven feet tall, he is easily identified as one of Old Kingdom’s native born. Adonis bears the mark of those touched by the stars, a cosmic signature worn proudly by the people who fight on in the name of the Forgotten King. His silent nature belies a quick wit. His bluntness highlights his integrity. He inspires immediate trust in those around him despite his fearsome frame and size, making him a mercenary without equal.
Torus
“His last thoughts were of the sinuous plant woman, and the weeping blue star as it ascended over the night sky.” This piece is part of a story I’ve been developing.
Character Bio: Torus is an enigmatic dryad who first appears in the Forest of Error. It is not fully understood from where she originated, though her allegiances seem to be toward humankind. She is curious, excitable, and friendly around those whom she admires. Her power and ability to manifest are dependent upon the amount of vegetation and flora in a given area.
Lord Virta & Major Paksu
Major Paksu: Major Augustus “Paksu” Bal’Klima rose to prominence in the Rhezzian military under the infamous General Mekkos during their attempted conquest of Old Kingdom. It was largely due to Paksu’s skillful leadership and near mythical battle prowess that the Rhezzians were able to maintain a few footholds in the north-eastern territories and keep them to this day. He has claimed the lives of 56 Kingdomites by his sword alone, prompting many songs to be written of his exploits on the battlefield. The mere mention of his name among natives and Rhezzians alike is enough to send chills down the spine of even the most seasoned warrior.
Taksomut
Taksomut, of the genus aurochs, are livestock characterized by a muscular frame and armored shellback composed of keratin. Though their milk has a sour quality when compared to that produced by other species of aurochs, the quantity which they are able to produce makes them an invaluable resource for societies residing in arid climates with limited access to fresh water.
Taksomut are able to produce a limitless supply of milk with only dry brush and grass as their nutritional requirement. Scholars theorize that they are able to pull moisture from the air through microscopic chambers in their hardy armored shellback, allowing them to thrive in deserts and badlands where other animals are more likely to perish.
Sex specific features of males and females may vary to some degree. Females are typically larger and their armored shellback is thicker and contains a higher density of microscopic fluid chambers. This evolution is likely meant to accommodate the burden of gestation, to protect offspring during times of drought. The male taksomut is sleeker and leaner in body, but the shell on their foreheads is thicker and more robust. Males will butt heads with other males to compete with one another, even outside of mating season. Their limbs are also significantly stronger and clawed; an adaptation for digging shelters under the earth that provide moisture and shade in their arid habitat, as well as safe havens for taksomut 'Camelots'. These Camelots consist of groups of taksomut with young offspring.
The taksomut offspring are quite hardy themselves; their flexibility allows them to roll into tiny spheres as they follow their mother about on the the surface. This ability offers them protection from smaller predators and would-be scavengers who might seek to make a meal of one. Unfortunately, after their first few months of life, this ability is lost as their bodies grow and their shells harden to become more rigid.