Inhuman characters reference [updated: 06/03/10]
This is a quick reference guide for any and all characters I introduce and develop in my Inhuman series. It is meant to be periodically updated as new characters and information are revealed, so be sure to check in every now and then for any updates and edits. Also note that since there may likely be conflicts and discrepancies in the data in this guide compared to the currently published stories, this reference trumps the stories. A new journal will be created notifying each update.
Update: (05/31/10 12:10 PM) - Added info to Aki Elani's relations.
Update: (05/31/10 5:50 PM) - Added Kira Elani and Nessi Ruma; fixed some minor errors.
Update: (06/03/10 4:30 AM) - Added the rest of the humans (Lt. Hartling, Cmdr. Vasse, Capt. Luis and Gen. Xander) and a Glossary entry for the Corinthean War.
Edit: (06/03/10 1:05 PM) - Made a few tiny corrections.
HUMANS
-- PHANTOM UNIT --
Sean O'Neil
META --
Full Name: Sean Achelon O'Neil
Loyalty(s)/Role(s): Ex-NCFM (Captain); ex-Phantom Unit (combat expert, team leader) (codename "Specter"); Aqueni tribe (defender)
Relations: Son to Kaylena Hayworth [deceased] and Travis O'Neil [deceased]; brother to Ulana O'Neil [deceased]; quasi-son to Capt. Luis [deceased]; close friend to Lt. Hartling; love interest of Aki Elani; eventual nemesis of General Xander
PHYSICAL --
Species: Human [White]
Gender: Male
Age: 25 [2494 -]
Hair: Medium-length, wavy, sandy-colored
Eyes: Brown, sharp
Build: Muscled and toned, yet somewhat boyish. Hardened by extensive training and experience. Strong, highly endurant and very agile.
Skills/Abilities: Prodigal combat skills; extensively trained and experienced with a variety of weapons; especially gifted at hand-to-hand combat.
Defining Characteristics: Has several scars across his body (from crashing his pod into the Neyrin River).
PERSONAL --
Personality: Intelligent and wise, though prone to impulsiveness. No experiential trauma thanks to neurological medicine, yet prone to nightmares and flashbacks when triggered. Generally cynical and misanthropic, yet can be quite caring and amicable with those he trusts. Highly protective of, and loyal to, those he bonds with, up to and past sacrificing himself for them. Somewhat apathetic, he generally prefers to have the dirty work done for him, but will immediately rise to the occasion if need be. Possesses great leadership skills, able to easily gain the respect of his followers and comrades.
Biography: Born during the Corinthean War, Sean never got to experience any semblance of a normal life. His family lived in hiding for the first year-and-a-half of his life, until a surprise Rebel attack destroyed their home and left Sean's parents and sister dead. He was rescued from the rubble, remarkably unscathed, and grew up in the NC Federal Military as a ward of the state, under the special care of Cpt. Luis, who took a special liking to Sean. Sean was mentored and figuratively fathered by Cpt. Luis growing up, his life devoted to surviving the Rebel onslaught whilst training exhaustively in preparation for combat, as per the global draft. He entered service at the baseline age of 14 and quickly acquired a reputation for his skill and efficiency. He rapidly rose through the ranks, reaching Lieutenant by the time he was 18, at which time he was initiated into Phantom Unit, the youngest member ever thanks to Cpt. Luis' special recommendation. He fought with his comrades for several years as the War raged on, losing many friends, including Cpt. Luis himself (much to Sean's despair), until the War was declared won for the Federation in 2514. Sean remained with the military under the new government of New Corinthea, unwilling or unable to leave as he'd never known anything else. He and his Phantom Unit comrades, of whom he eventually became team leader, were kept on special reserve for situations where standard military actions, or even special ops, weren't a viable option. Though cured from any and all neurological and physical disorders thanks to advanced 26th-century medicine, years of pain and horrors had left him a generally cynical, misanthropic and coldly logical individual, virtually inapproachable by anyone but his trusted Phantom comrades and rarer friends.
Lieutenant Hartling
META --
Full Name: Leona Jessica Hartling
Loyalty(s)/Role(s): NCFM (Lieutenant); Phantom Unit (comms. expert) (codename "Shadow")
Relations: Daughter to Minnie Doris and Harvard Goodstrain; sister to Keith Norris [deceased]; secret lover of Cmdr. Vasse; close friend to Sean O'Neil
PHYSICAL --
Species: Human [Black]
Gender: Female
Age: 32 [2487 -]
Hair: Short, hidden under her usual cap
Eyes: Blue, probing
Build: Medium, toned yet still feminine, elegant and disciplined.
Skills/Abilities: Elite soldier and a whiz with technology and communications systems.
Defining Characteristics: Has a very soft, feminine voice.
PERSONAL --
Personality: A healthy combination of idealism/righteousness and discipline/restrain. Clever and resourceful, she always seems to have just the right tool at the right time. Very wise, and loves to help people. Is strongly loyal to her military and commanders, but is willing to risk it all for her friends and ideals.
Biography: A child of the war, Lt. Hartling lived through much the same life of hardships as did Sean O'Neil, albeit with the benefit of a loving family to raise and protect her. She always dreamed of becoming a soldier fighting the Rebels, yet it was her wizardry with electronics that earned her a military position at the age of 17. There, she met Lionel Vasse and they formed a friendship over the years as they climbed the ranks together. Eventually, Vasse was asked to join Phantom Unit, and was able to put in a good word in for Lt. Hartling, who was recruited only months later. She remained with the Unit when the War ended in 2514 and has been active ever since. The end of the War also permitted her and Vasse to deepen their relationship, to the point where she had begun contemplating asking him to marry her.
Commander Vasse
META --
Full Name: Lionel Karis Vasse
Loyalty(s)/Role(s): NCFM (Commander); ex-Phantom Unit (tactical expert, team-leader) (codename "Ghost")
Relations: Son to Deodora Lampin [deceased] and Jules Vasse; brother to Lynna Vasse [deceased] and Julia Vasse [deceased] secret lover of Lt. Hartling
PHYSICAL --
Species: Human [White]
Gender: Male
Age: 43 [2476 -]
Hair: Bald (greying brown)
Eyes: Grey, sharp, decisive
Build: Tall, heavily muscled and very powerful all around, enjoying the bodybuilder-type look. Very endurant.
Skills/Abilities: Powerful fighter, though lacks agility; great tactician and a powerful leader.
Defining Characteristics: Usually unshaved, heavy musculature, massive endurance.
PERSONAL --
Personality: Has proven himself again and again to be a formidable leader in the field of battle, his strategies always seeming to leave them victorious (or, at least, alive). His burly, no-nonsense, somewhat authoritarian nature is complemented by his intellect and tactical mind, forming a leader that is highly respected by everyone, even those who dislike his bossiness (such as Sean O'Neil).
Biography: The only member of Phantom Unit, along with Captain Luis, who actually knew Corinthea prior to the War, though he was too young to have formed any substantive memories. He had a normal childhood until the War broke out when he was 7; though he and his family were protected by the Federal Military, an attack on their shelter in 2485 left his mother and two sisters dead. Unable to deal with the pain of losing most of his family, Vasse's father Jules became distant and neglectful as he fell into the criminal underworld; he's been in and out of jail intermittently and Vasse hasn't heard of him in years. Vasse trained exhaustively and eventually joined the NCFM at the minimum age of 14. His efficiency and leadership skills saw him climb through the ranks; at 18, he befriended the newly-joined Leona Hartling, and upon joining Phantom Unit, was able to put in a recommendation for her, allowing her to join up as well shortly afterwards. They fought together and their bond deepened, though military life forced them to keep their relationship hidden from anyone but their trusted friends. The War finally ended in 2514 and they formally became lovers, a relationship that satisfied both their needs, despite strained due to continued military service and constant separation. Eventually, Vasse was offered a promotion to a desk job and, having had enough of combat, accepted, delegating the position of Phantom Unit team leader to Sean O'Neil.
Captain Luis [deceased]
META --
Full Name: Luis Devoni Morris
Loyalty(s)/Role(s): NCFM (Captain); Phantom Unit (weapons expert) (codename "Visitor")
Relations: Son to Adella Macnir [deceased] and Lecrèz Morris [deceased]; brother to Anelle Morris and Philippe Morris [deceased]; mentor and father-figure to Sean O'Neil
PHYSICAL --
Species: Human [Hispanic]
Gender: Male
Age: 56 at death [2456 - 2512]
Hair: Short, greying black
Eyes: Blue, sage Build: Medium build, rather unassuming, though exceedingly capable.
Skills/Abilities: Exceptional fighter and the most proficient soldier the NCFM had seen in generations, making him virtually undefeatable.
Defining Characteristics: Nasty scar running down his left cheek.
PERSONAL --
Personality: The portrait of the sage and fully capable master and mentor. Calm and wise, intelligent and knowledgeable, and a true master in all forms of martial arts. Luis lost his family when the War began, causing him great pain; he was able to find some solace in Sean O'Neil, whom he practically raised as his own, teaching him everything he knew. Luis hated everything about the War but found his way into Phantom Unit through his exceptional combat record and his will to do what it takes to end conflicts and save lives.
Biography: The original Phantom Unit member out of the foursome, Luis was born early enough to know just what a relatively happy and peaceful life was like on Corinthea before the War. The first 27 years of his life were spent growing up with his family and friends and working at his job (animal caretaker) like anyone else, alongside his hobby of martial arts, at which he was phenomenally talented. Then the War came along and he did his best to shield his family from any harm, yet one day the Rebels swept through their neighborhood and despite Luis's best efforts, exterminated his family except for one sister, Anelle, with whom he shared a close bond. Having nowhere left go, he and his sister both joined the NCFM to fight the Rebels; he excelled in combat training, despite his placid and pacifist demeanor, whereas Anelle became a general maintenance technician, wishing to remain away from the battlefield. Luis was asked to join Phantom Unit surprisingly early, after only 3 years in service, and though his new duties and comrades took all of his time, he kept a strong bond with his sister nonetheless. He eventually took a liking to then-baby Sean O'Neil and chose to raise him as though he were his own, mentoring him and being the father Sean never had. He lived to be very proud and adoring of his special pupil. Unfortunately, a major Rebel attack on a Federal Military compound in 2512 cost Luis his life when he sacrificed himself to save his fellow Phantom comrades [chapter 4].
-- NCFM --
General Xander
META --
Full Name: Theodore Delènes Xander
Loyalty(s)/Role(s): NCFM (General)
Relations: Son to Delènes Charis [deceased] and Robert Xander; brother to Greta Xander; commander of Phantom Unit; eventual nemesis of Sean O'Neil
PHYSICAL --
Species: Human [White]
Gender: Male
Age: 53 [2466 -]
Hair: Bald (shaved, blond)
Eyes: Green, hard
Build: Relatively tall, muscled and hardened.
Skills/Abilities: Strong-willed and a brilliant tactician; highly experienced combat expert, able to rival most other martial artists, including Sean O'Neil.
Defining Characteristics: Prominent burn scar on the left side of his face from the Chartraine affair. Has numerous scars across his body that he keeps by choice (believes each one is a reminder of a mistake not to make again).
PERSONAL --
Personality: Very much the archetypal "hard-ass military commander", a persona he takes pride in. An excellent tactician, he knows how to get the job done and will stop at nothing to accomplish his objectives. He is ruthless, swift to deal out harsh punishments to his comrades and soldiers, and can be downright cruel to his perceived enemies out of pure apathy. Generally self-centered and is known to be arrogant or condescending when crossed or feeling superior, which is quite often. Not a bad commander or even a bad person, really - just an egotistical and bigoted jerk. Sean O'Neil in particular has a problem with attitude, something Xander is quick to throw back against him.
Biography: Lionel Xander lived a relatively normal life growing up before the War, being raised in a highly strict and disciplinary home ruled by his authoritative father and passive mother. This shaped him into a rigid and military-oriented young lad, though his personality suffered for it, becoming, not exactly a bad person by any stretch, but a bit of a bigoted jerk to people. He joined the NCFM in 2482 at 16 years of age, partially to escape his home environment, yet had only been there a single year when the War was declared. He saw many years of field combat, his great tactician skills allowing him to rise rapidly until he became General in 2502 at the unusually young age of 40. He became the chief commander of Phantom Unit and though respected by all, his grating attitude has earned him the resentment of several, particularly Sean O'Neil, whom he seems to take pleasure in tormenting with grueling or otherwise painfully boring tasks.
ANTHROS
GLOBAL CHARACTERISTICS:
All anthros have certain physical and psychological attributes in common. All are bipedal, unsuited for quadrupedal motion with a human bone structure. They do not have humanlike hair, instead possessing generally longer fur on their heads and napes, similar to short-to-moderate-length human hair. Their hands are humanlike with stubbed claws; their feet are more animalistic, yet still possess five toes and are not digitigrade, with longer and sharper footclaws. As with their animal origins, they generally have superhuman physical senses and abilities, including (but not limited to) heightened eyesight, sensitive hearing, faster reflexes, faster speeds and greater strength. Though physically and psychologically engineered to be as adaptable to human society as possible, they still possess certain animalistic attributes, such as biannual heat periods (fixed for all species at roughly four weeks during spring and again in autumn) accompanied with strong reproductive drives, strong foraging and hunting instincts (depending on species, though they try to suppress) and strong territorial instincts. They are fully able to breed with humans and each other (including cross-species, though instinctual drives to remain within the same species make this, and ensuing hybrid offspring, more rare), but not with feral animals. Interestingly, perhaps as a result of their heightened sexual impulses, they generally treat modesty and sex very casually and are happy to engage in homosexual sexual relations just for the fun of it. Sexual promiscuity drops when mated, however, then generally preferring to keep their sexual relations more private (though they still possess little qualms about open relationships). However, one drawback from the extensive genetic engineering required to produce them is a sharply decreased lifespan, with an average life expectancy of roughly 60 years in their natural conditions. Also, all species of anthros have characteristics native to their origins: cheetahs are generally quicker, lizards are generally tougher, buffaloes are generally larger and stronger, rats/mice are generally smaller, etc.
-- AQUENI TRIBE --
Aki Elani
META --
Full Name: Aki Elani
Loyalty(s)/Role(s): Aqueni tribe (orchard-keeper)
Relations: Daughter to Kira Elani and Rauma Elani [deceased, 2510]; best friends with Nessi Ruma; love interest of Sean O'Neil; particularly dislikes Krypp Lonis
PHYSICAL --
Species: Red fox
Gender: Female
Age: 16 [2503 -]
Colors/Markings: Tangerine-colored coat with white chest-fur extending to her upper inner thighs and buttocks, black ears, black "gauntlets" over forearms and forelegs and a fluffy, white-capped tail. Has twin "tear"-like black marks down the side of her upper muzzle.
Eyes: Blue, large, particularly beautiful
Build: Average build all around, though remarkably beautiful.
Skills/Abilities: Has hidden aptitudes for combat and is generally a very quick learner.
Defining Characteristics: Great beauty.
PERSONAL --
Personality: Aki is the typical strong-headed village girl with heart. Smart, playful, incessantly curious and constantly needing to distract herself to stave off boredom, though she can't resist a good time to relax, particularly a nice refreshing swim in the Neyrin in the morning. Quite headstrong and prone to mulishness, but nonetheless very reasonable. Has growing motherly instincts as she matures, her playful, carefree nature turning more protective and caring towards her friends and loved ones. She is particularly interested in the ancient "Human" civilization.
Biography: Aki is very much the typical village girl in nearly every way. Born in 2503 and raised in a loving home, she's lived a mostly happy and carefree life punctuated by few problems, notably the occasional Dark Riders attacks. She grew up with her lifelong best friend Nessi Nadie/Ruma, the two inseparable to the point where they consider themselves to be quasi-sisters. Her father was taken and killed in a surprise Dark Riders attack when she was 7, resulting in her mother becoming stricter and somewhat overprotective, to Aki's dismay. She continued to live happily in the Aqueni community until reaching sexual maturity during spring of 2519, at which point she learned firsthand how tedious - and at times hazardous - it was to be a freshly-available nubile young female.
Kira Elani
META --
Full Name: Kira Elani
Loyalty(s)/Role(s): Aqueni tribe (clothesmaid, occasional cook)
Relations: Daughter to Kila Elani [deceased] and Velani Elani [deceased]; mother to Aki Elani; mate to Rauma Elani [deceased]; close friend to Nati Nadie
PHYSICAL --
Species: Red Fox
Gender: Female
Age: 44 [2475 -]
Colors/Markings: Orange-russet-colored coat with white chest-fur extending to up to her inner neck, muzzle and cheek and down to her upper inner thighs and buttocks, black-tipped ears, black "gauntlets" over forearms and forelegs and a fluffy, white-capped, black-lined tail. Has a black dorsal stripe extending from her upper neck to her tailbase.
Eyes: Green, critical
Build: Somewhat short with an average build all around. Generally good-looking.
Skills/Abilities: Skilled at weaving and sewing (hence her being a clothesmaid); an excellent cook, and has an uncanny ability to detect lies and secrets.
Defining Characteristics: Nothing remarkable.
PERSONAL --
Personality: Compassionate and nurturing, though can be overprotective and strict, particularly when nervous or scared. Tends to be a bit bossy and short-tempered, and can be quite intimidating when provoked.
Biography: Kira has led a very normal village life: born and raised in a loving family, she lost her parents and two brothers when she turned 16 due to a Dark Riders attack on her birthday [2491], an event that turned her into a more serious and worry-prone person. She eventually mated with Rauma Elani and mothered Aki Elani. She was always highly protective and restrictive towards Aki, forbidding her from doing dangerous activities (not that Aki didn't usually go ahead and do it anyway). Following the Dark Riders attack in 2510 that left Rauma taken and killed, she became even more protective of Aki, something her daughter has been trying to free herself from ever since. One thing that is certain is her love for her daughter, which Aki returns fully, despite their numerous quarrels.
Nessi Ruma
META --
Full Name: Nessi Singar Ruma
Loyalty(s)/Role(s): Aqueni tribe (orchard-keeper, occasional animal caretaker)
Relations: Daughter to Mara Nadie [deceased] and Nati Nadie; mate to Singar Ruma; best friends with Aki Elani
PHYSICAL --
Species: Cheetah
Gender: Female
Age: 17 [2502 -]
Colors/Markings: Golden-yellow coat with black cheetah spots, pale creamy chest-fur extending up to her muzzle and cheeks and down to her inner thighs and buttocks; white tail-cap with black rings; black "gauntlets" on her forearms and forelegs.
Eyes: Brown, dark
Build: Somewhat tall and slender, and rather pretty.
Skills/Abilities: Extremely fast sprinter, though for short-to-medium distances only.
Defining Characteristics: Her speed.
PERSONAL --
Personality: Wise and mature beyond her years, Nessi is usually the one who tries to bring peace in moments of conflicts and especially serves as a buffer for Aki's rashness. She does have a prominent fun-seeking side, though, and is always found with Aki as they work or goof around together.
Biography: Nessi and Aki seemed to have been born to be together, becoming friends since earlier than either can remember and growing up as though they were sisters. Her mother was killed by the Dark Riders in the same attack that took Aki's father, an event they mourned together. Her father, Nati, does his best to raise Nessi but she's mature and autonomous to the point where parental influence is not needed. Upon entering sexual maturity at 16, Nessi waited several months before finding a suitable mate; she developed feelings for the suave lion Singar Ruma and eventually settled down with him.
GLOSSARY
NCFM: New Corinthea Federal Military
Aqueni tribe: The tribe of which Sean becomes a member.
Koron tribe: The tribe known to the Aqueni as the "Dark Riders".
Corinthea/New Corinthea: The planetary civilization was originally named Corinthea, but following the catastrophic war, the rebuilt civilization was renamed New Corinthea. (The planet itself has kept the name Corinthea as to avoid confusion and contradictions in databases.)
Middle names: Humans have middle names to differentiate between individuals with the same names, whereas anthros adopt the forename of their mate as their middle name as per tradition.
Corinthean War [summer 2483 - spring 2514]: Great global war that erupted in summer of 2483 AD and tore the then-peaceful society of Planet Corinthea apart. A seditious and insidious group of insurgents utilized manipulation, fear-mongering and blackmail to rally forces and launch an attack on the Corinthean federal government, creating a massive civil war virtually overnight. The Rebels' use of civil violence in all directions was successful in splintering the Federal Military's forces, who then had the double duty of fighting off the Rebels whilst attempting to safeguard civilians. The war eventually came to a head in 2513 when the Rebels attempted to capture Capital City; failing to do so, they found themselves quickly pushed back and, with a failing support base and eroding supply lines, were weakened until they declared defeat in spring of 2514. The society that was rebuilt out of the ashes and rubble was rechristened New Corinthea.