FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Character Descriptions and Personalities

In order of appearance

1. ** **Mist Runner - son of Sky Splitter and Lore Mistress Fire Weaver, protector (and later the adoptive father) of Dahmietra, mate of Red Moon.

Like most of his kind, Mist Runner stands head and shoulders above the average human of his world, at 7 feet 6 inches in height. The color of his fur tends towards the lighter grays and tans, with darker grays and black down the center of his back. He has the typical "mask" common to wolves around his eyes. Mist Runner typically wears only a breechcloth, a necklace of stones, braided leather armbands on his upper arms and decorated leather wrist bracers. He carries a dagger on his right hip, a pouch on his left, and his magical sword "Battle Fang" slung across his back. He may also carry his large, very powerful recurve bow and quiver of arrows. During inclement weather, he will wear a green leather oilskin cloak if it's warm or may add the fur lining to it during the cold months.

Mist Runner is very thoughtful, romantic, caring, tender, and at times rather playful, with a good sense of humor. Mist Runner can be quite business-like, is a skilled warrior, and has little tolerance for seeing people being bullied, exploited, or abused. Like all of his kind, he has a very strong respect for life and love of natural surroundings. Mist Runner is honest, straightforward and keeps his word. He has some ability to heal others, which he gets from his mother, but he also has two other special abilities: empathy and travelling via "the Hidden Ways" - a type of plane-shifting ability that causes him and any touching him to seem to disappear and travel more swiftly, but it is tiring for him to do so for long. His empathic abilities allows him to sense what others are feeling, even from a distance, as well as to project his own feelings into others. He can also sense if anyone is lying with 100% accuracy.

2. ** **Khe'strah Kh'rol-Mahb, The High Cleric - Wastelander religious leader who hired Mist Runner to be the bodyguard for Dahmietra. http://www.sofurry.com/view/467655

An otherwise typical Wastelander male in general features - dark hair and light brown skin, stocky in build and wider nose - he is also quite well fed and used to an opulent life style.

He actually is concerned for Dahmietra's well-being and doesn't much care for the idea of what is likely to happen to the girl when she is brought before the "great gathering" of the religious leaders of both sects. He sent a secret message hidden within a message warning both Dahmietra and Mist Runner of possible treachery. Although he's a bit more open-minded than many of his peers and previous holders of the position, he's still well steeped in the strict religious customs of his people.

3. ** **Nezcha - Eastlander slave girl belonging to Alnakh, the owner of The Glass Dove Inn in the village of Cedar Knoll. http://www.sofurry.com/view/423835

Nezcha is 5 feet 8 inches tall, about 4 inches taller than Dahmietra, and a few years older, with long light brown hair worn in a braid, a starched white triangular cloth head covering (similar to the traditional style worn by some Swedish farm women) on her head and wearing a long skirt, long-sleeved blouse and an apron. She wears the thick red leather collar of a slave, which has a ring fastened to the front by a metal plate that has been riveted on (like a dog collar). Nezcha is well cared for by Alnakh who treats her almost like a daughter...even though she is a slave.

She is by nature a sweet and thoughtful young woman who has managed to keep her dignity despite her servitude. Nezcha doesn't miss much of what goes on around her. Alnakh allows her to earn money towards buying her freedom by working in his inn, serving meals, drinks and cleaning. When Mist Runner is visiting, he has been known to come to her aid if a customer tries to be abusive.

4. ** **Alnakh - Wastelander owner of The Glass Dove Inn in Cedar Knoll, mate of Taminya. http://www.sofurry.com/view/423829

Alnakh is a short, stocky man in his early 40's with shoulder length black hair, dark eyes, and light brown skin. He and his mate have a son and two daughters.

He is kind and generous by nature, and a good business man. Alnakh knew of Nezcha's family and didn't like the fact that a mob of his people attacked them in their home during one of their religious holidays, killed her father, and took her, her mother, and siblings captive, only to eventually be sold into slavery. Alnakh bought Nezcha, the only girl among her siblings, to give her a better life than she might have otherwise. He allows her to work in his inn towards earning her freedom. Alnakh is among the more progressive folk in Cedar Knoll.

5. ** **Dahmietra - young Wastelander girl who is a descendant of Dahmel-Tur by his fifth wife, Usantra, who was the daughter of his fifth original follower, Tamzar (related to Ma'al-Sekt of the Dark Blood Clan) and Ahng-Shi (who was a female of the Dark Blood Clan). http://www.sofurry.com/view/423551

Dahmietra is 14 years old at the beginning of the storyline, is 5 feet 4 inches tall, with very long (past her waist) and thick auburn hair, green eyes, light brown complexion, and shapely for her young years. Up until she left the enclave, Dahmietra wore the typical voluminous layers of clothing that the women of the Wastelanders wear, covering all but her face, hands, and feet. (Think very conservative Middle Eastern or Dark Age European style of women's clothing.) Red Moon had a new outfit made for Dahmietra during her first full day in the village of Hope's Spring.

Dahmietra is very intelligent and well learned, observant, caring, responsible and strong in character. Dahmietra lived a very sheltered life in the religious enclave her parents put her in at the age of five, so while she knows about a lot of things from extensive reading, she has virtually no real world experience in much of anything. Her only skills are reading, writing and doing embroidery work, though she is a quick learner and is rapidly adapting to her life among Mist Runner's people. Dahmietra accepts Mist Runner and Red Moon as her surrogate family, and helped with devising the plan to free her from her own people. Later in the story when she is finally officially adopted by Mist Runner, Red Moon and their parents, Dahmietra begins a transformation as a result of the sharing of blood through a cut on her hand between her and her new family (mostly due to Mist Runner's and his parent's blood, and her particular heritage). Dahmietra eventually gains two important skills as a result: shape shifting into the form of a female of Mist Runner's people, and the ability to quickly self-heal. There may be other hidden talents that might arise later. Dahmietra and Warri become friends (and later love mates, after they go the Coming of Age rite together).

6. ** **Sarneh - older Wastelander woman who is an Elder Sister in the religious enclave Dahmietra was in.

Sarneh is about in her late 50's to early 60's, about 5 ft. 4 in. tall, light brown skin and dark eyes. She wears voluminous clothing with only her face, hands, and feet showing, in the style of her particular order. (Think very conservative Middle Eastern or Dark Age European style of women's clothing.)

Sarneh is very traditional and conservative in her views. Ever since Dahmietra's parents gave her up to the enclave, Sarneh has watched over and guided her as much as possible. She was extremely fearful of Mist Runner when she first saw him at the enclave due to her belief in the myths and outright propaganda she has been told about his kind, though after meeting him, she began to understand that things are not always as she has been led to believe.

7. ** **Jamella - young Wastelander woman who is a servant at the religious enclave Dahmietra was in.

She is about the same age as Dahmietra, with dark hair and eyes, and slender build. Jamella is very plain in appearance, and her face reflects the hard life she has lived.

Jamella comes from a poor family and works doing menial jobs within the enclave. She lives in the servant quarters, having few possessions of her own. Jamella has had a hard and difficult life before coming to the enclave, and still does, though she does have a small space to call her own with a simple bed and a small chest to put the few possessions she has in. She is meek and easily frightened, and feels that she does not deserve anything special.

8. ** **Red Moon - Mist Runner's mate, originally of the Western Forest Clans. http://www.sofurry.com/view/423543

Red Moon's fur is predominately a reddish color, with the center of her front being a silvery white from her chin downward. The tips of her longer fur, tail, ears, fingers, and toes are also a silvery white while the center of her back tends to be darker. She is a bit shorter than Mist Runner at 7 feet tall, and although slender in build, she is quite shapely. Red Moon wears gold jewelry (think Celtic style), such as armbands, around her ankles, rings and a headpiece. She wears a very special necklace (see sketch) given to her by Mist Runner as token of his love for her. As is typical for most of her people, her clothing is minimalist - usually just a simple breechcloth, though she does wear a cloak during inclement weather and during the cold months. Normally Red Moon has a slender bladed dagger that she wears strapped to her right thigh, though when she's travelling she wears a large hunting knife and carries her quarterstaff.

By nature, Red Moon is intuitive, thoughtful, and playful and enjoys being a tease to Mist Runner. While she is often very independent, strong willed and tends to speak her mind, Red Moon is steadfastly loyal and supportive, and stands by her mate. Red Moon is not only a skilled herbalist, making various remedies and personal care concoctions, but also skilled at pottery making.

9. ** **Warri - young apprentice of Lore Master Stone Toucher, from one of the lake clans of the village of Bridge Rock Cove. http://www.sofurry.com/view/423521

Warri is still not fully-grown yet, being only 6 feet 10 inches tall, and although he is currently 30 years of age, he is the equivalent of a 16-year-old human male. He will be fully grown by the time he reaches 100 years of age, after which his aging will cease. Warri is predominately grayish in color, with lighter grays and black mixed in. His face, front, forearms, and lower legs are lighter in color than the rest of him. Aside from simple armbands, he wears little in the way of ornamentation.

Warri is a polite, quiet and gentle youth, highly intelligent with perfect memory and recall ability. He is skilled with maps - reading and making, and has strong analytical skills. Warri has two very special abilities that are beginning to manifest - he is telepathic and has limited precognition. He feels a kindred spirit with Dahmietra, in that they are both about to come of age, both have similar interests (reading and writing), and both are away from home (though through far different circumstances). He does feel an awkward attraction towards Dahmietra, though he is uncertain as to whether he should explore it or not.

10. ** **Lore Master Stone Toucher - a First One, has mastery of earth, and is the Keeper of History.

Stone Toucher has the ability to shape earth and stone through magical means, and is among the most gifted - and powerful - of the "stone talkers". As the Keeper of History, he is in charge of the archives that house a large selection of scrolls, tablets, and various artifacts. He is Warri's mentor and teacher.

11. ** **Lore Mistress Stream Chaser - a First One, has mastery of water, and is the Keeper of Law.

Stream Chaser has the ability to control water in all its forms - rain, ice, snow, fog, streams and rivers, even standing water. She tends to be critical in her thinking and rigid in interpreting the laws of her people, though she is not completely inflexible.

Stream Chaser is the head of Warri's clan, and as such, would have final say as to whether or not Warri would be allowed to be with Dahmietra. However, Fire Weaver tends to not take "no" for an answer, and she enlisted the help of other First Ones to persuade her to allow the two to be together if they chose to.

12. ** **Lore Master Cloud Shaker - a First One, has Mastery of Weather, and is the Keeper of Tradition.

Cloud Shaker was instrumental in the defense of The Great Forest when the Wastelanders sought to set fire to it several hundred years in the past. It was he who summoned the storms to help put out the fires and help drive away the attackers, while Stream Chaser directed and concentrated the rain and ice where it was needed most.

As the Keeper of Tradition, Cloud Shaker oversees the initiation of cublings into adulthood through the Coming of Age rite, as well as with other important events and celebrations.

13. ** **Lore Mistress Fire Weaver - a First One, has mastery of Fire, and is the Keeper of Customs. Fire Weaver is the bond mate of Sky Splitter, is Mist Runner's mother, and she is the most powerful healer of The Five Eastern Forest Clans.

Fire Weaver's fur is bright red, except for the grayish mask around her eyes, on either side of her muzzle, throat, front and the insides of her arms and legs, which are white (with her muzzle turning grayish). Like most of the other First Ones, Fire Weaver typically has a decidedly feral look about her. She is very attractive and curvaceous, with a mature sensuality despite being incredibly old. Although a human would guess that she's only in her mid to late 50's, Fire Weaver is ancient beyond the ability of mortals to grasp.

Fire Weaver is practically the personification of motherly patience and care. She has a gentle humor, and her people hold her in reverential respect. There is one person who she has a rather strong disliking towards, and that is a Nomenaran female by the name of Mashera (who also happens to be a First One, though somewhat younger than Fire Weaver). Mashera had tried to come between Fire Weaver and her mate Sky Splitter, before the First Ones appeared on the world of Y'Nahra, which Fire Weaver has not yet forgiven her for. Sky Splitter and Fire Weaver are totally devoted to one another.

14. ** **Lore Master Spirit Feather - a First One, leader of the Lore Masters of The Five Eastern Forest Clans, and cousin of Sky Splitter.

Spirit Feather is on the higher end of average height for his kind, slim build, whose fur is black fading into grays and white. He wears an open sleeveless robe as a mark of his position, and a simple necklace of a single silver feather.

He is a grandfatherly type, who is one of the first of his kind to walk the world. Spirit Feather is kind, patient, wise, gentle, and intuitive. He is also strong willed and a great leader and commands the respect of those around him. Spirit Feather's magical abilities are shamanistic in nature, and he has a unique talent of being able to see into the "heart of being" of all living things. When Dahmietra collapsed in terror, Spirit Feather was able to project his consciousness into her mind, bringing Mist Runner, Red Moon, Fire Weaver and Grimm Tooth with him so that they could "see" what she was experiencing and bring her back from the dark place her spirit had retreated to.

15. ** **Bane Flower - female Defender of the Hope's Spring Pack, former love mate of Mist Runner.

Bane Flower is shorter than average height and slender, though athletically built. Her fur tends towards browns, tans and darker grays down her back. She normally wears leather arm bracers, ankle cuffs and a dark brown breechcloth. She has dark amber eyes.

She used to be happy and much nicer than she is now. She took the loss of her previous love mate, Sky Stone, very hard after he died because of his injuries during a fight with primitive Eastlanders thousands of years ago. Mist Runner and Grimm Tooth came to the aid of her hunting party as they tried to escape while being greatly outnumbered and fought until all of the party's pursuers were killed. Mist Runner tried to heal Sky Stone's injuries, but too much time had elapsed and he was unable to save him even though it cost him greatly trying. Bane Flower never forgot how Mist Runner tried to save Sky Stone. Eventually, after a respectable amount of time, Bane Flower and Mist Runner hit it off and became love mates. Bane Flower and a party of others made a trip to the mountains to pay a visit to her people's distant cousins there, but during a freak early snowstorm, Bane Flower became separated from the group and became lost in the blizzard. A search party looked for her, but no trace was ever found. The next spring they went back to look for her body, but could not find any trace of it. After no one had seen her for some time, she was thought dead and her village mourned for her. Eventually, though Bane Flower did manage to reappear, but she was injured, malnourished and couldn't talk. It took some time to heal her physical wounds and build up her strength again. When she was better, she rejoined the Defenders and pushed herself in training to the point of exhaustion, much to the concern of Fire Weaver, Mist Runner and Grimm Tooth. Bane Flower never has spoken to anyone what had happen to her, though the scars around her wrists, ankles and neck would suggest that she had been taken captive and severely abused. She has become bitterly sarcastic and withdrawn, losing all of her friends. Mist Runner has been the only person who stands up for her, though even his patience has grown thin with her. He suspects that Bane Flower needs further healing, of her mind and spirit this time, and is working towards a way to accomplish that.

16. ** **Grimm Tooth - Mist Runner's best friend, Alpha Defender of the Five Eastern Forest Clans, older brother of Foxfire (and later mate to Kurietta). http://www.sofurry.com/view/423536

Grimm is huge - he stands head and shoulders taller than Mist Runner at 8 feet 6 inches, broad chested, with a powerfully muscled body. Except for some slightly lighter colored scars, he is solid black from head to toe, with intense yellowish amber colored eyes. Despite his size and bulk, Grimm moves with calculated precision. He normally wears dark colored heavy leather armor with metal plates and studs (see sketch). His main weapon is a large and very wicked looking sword.

While Grimm Tooth fights in battle with all of the fury of Nature unleashed and concentrated into a singular form, he is not a violent person. Grimm is a stoic and philosophical person, a natural leader, though he will often defer to Mist Runner's judgment in matters not concerning battle or his command of the Defenders (the warriors of their people). Grimm usually keeps a straight face and speaks matter-of-factly, though he is often more relaxed and open when he and his friends are in more private settings. In his free time, Grimm often works on little projects, such as carving figurines. Grimm has a bit of a soft spot for Dahmietra.

17. ** **Fern Leaf - female assistant to Lore Mistress Fire Weaver.

Fern Leaf is still rather young at only 2,170 years of age, and is generally quiet and easy going. She assists Fire Weaver as necessary during healings and births, and in making herbal remedies. Fern Leaf has the ability to heal others, though she is not nearly as powerful as Fire Weaver is.

18. ** **Moon Dancer - seamstress of Hope's Spring.

Moon Dancer is of the second generation of the Ayoona-Lu-Nehm'a born on Y'Nahra, and therefore is older than most, including Red Moon (but younger than Mist Runner and Grimm Tooth). She is a very talented seamstress, and works quickly with unerring accuracy. Moon Dancer is rather jovial and enjoys dancing at celebrations.

19. ** **Stone Tree - blacksmith of Hope's Spring.

Stone Tree is, as can be expected, powerfully built. He's quite skilled at making all manner of things out of metal, though he wishes that he had a better supply of raw materials for metal working. He has fair amount of enthusiasm and tends to talk a lot, though he actually does listen very carefully to what others have to say. His two sons help him at the smithy.

20. ** **Dahmel-Tur - Dahmietra's ancient ancestor, founder of both branches of The People of the Wastelands.

Mist Runner and Grimm Tooth are the only two known living people who have met Dahmietra's ancient ancestor, having had an incident with him and his band of warriors nearly 1,000 years in the past.

As a young boy apprenticing in a mining camp in the mountains forming the eastern border of The Wastelands, he met Ahng-Shi of the Dark Blood Clan while looking for gems deep in a cave. She gave him a magical necklace of black stones that shimmered with an inner light--it was through this necklace that the Dark Bloods influenced him, eventually driving him mad.

21. ** **Foxfire - Grimm Tooth's younger sister, daughter of Mistress Starfire and Night Blaze (both First Ones), and priestess-shaman of The Great Mother. http://www.sofurry.com/view/423530

Foxfire is about the same height as Red Moon, covered from head to toe with silvery-white fur that seems to have a faint glow to it in moonlight. Her eyes are extremely unusual for her kind in that they are a very intense blue. Foxfire is the epitome of fluid grace and beauty, and she exudes an invisible aura that mesmerizes everyone. She normally wears a minimal light gray breechcloth and lots of silver vine-like jewelry on her head, around her upper arms and wrists, and ankles. Her necklace is also silver in a vine-like style, with blue star stones set into it. She will wear a gray woolen cloak in colder weather.

Foxfire is in some ways the exact opposite of her older brother, Grimm Tooth. She has a normally happy and bubbly personality, and seems to be a bit forgetful, though as her brother says, she can be quite cunning. Foxfire normally won't hurt anyone on purpose and typically goes our of her way to make people feel cared about, though she has a strong motherly instinct even though she has no children of her own yet. When Foxfire sings, her pure angelic voice can cause every living thing (possibly even the trees themselves) to stop what they are doing and sit in rapt attention, forgetting all else - even if they are quarrelling. Her dance is sensually graceful and hypnotic. It is an unfortunate effect that anyone who is near her for any length of time will succumb to "the Foxfire effect", as Mist Runner puts it. Foxfire is still young by her people's standards, and she still has yet to be able to exert much control over her seemingly constantly active magical aura, though she has had some measure of success. The only person who is totally immune to her aura is her older brother, Grimm Tooth. Mist Runner can block her aura to an extent, as can Red Moon (who is her best friend) and Warri.

22. ** **Night Song - female Defender of the Hope's Spring Pack who accompanies Mist Runner on his quest to save Dahmietra from her own people. http://www.sofurry.com/view/435069

Night Song is taller than most females of her kind (she's nearly as tall as Mist Runner), athletically built and attractive. Her fur is mostly black and dark gray with cream-colored fur down her front, reddish browns on her sides, tawny patches on her shoulders, throat, and upper chest. The fur towards her hands and feet fade from black, through reddish brown, and into tawny; her eyes are amber. The longer and thicker fur on the back of her neck is a little shorter than some females. She moves with the grace and flexibility of a gymnast. Night Song wears only a minimal thong-like garment, simple gold jewelry (on more festive occasions), and a cloak if required.

Personality-wise, Night Song is rather gregarious and wily, prone to bawdy speech, and doesn't hesitate to speak her mind...even when she probably shouldn't at times. As Mist Runner has said, she has about as much fun getting into trouble as she does getting out of it. Night Song is quite a scrapper when it comes to fighting in close quarters - in fact, she fights with a highly efficient and insanely acrobatic style that no one can match. She's been known to recite poetry, make jokes, and ruthlessly taunt her opponents, as everything around her becomes a potential weapon in her hands. (Think along the lines of Jackie Chan with the added flexibility and sensuality of Mystique from the X-Men.) Night Song's voice is husky (very similar to the actress Lauren Bacall), and she can be quite sultry.

23. ** **Brown Leaf - female Defender of the Hope's Spring Pack who accompanies Mist Runner on his quest to save Dahmietra from her own people. http://www.sofurry.com/view/423402

Brown Leaf is short for her kind, though athletically built. She is mostly brown with reddish highlights in color and hazel eyes. She wears some gold jewelry, a green breechcloth and a green colored open vest.

Brown Leaf is the best tracker, and will often spot signs that others might miss. Her eyesight extends into both the infrared and ultraviolet, and she has a psionic ability to detect the residual energy left behind by living things (Brown Leaf can tell who touched something and how long ago). She is normally soft spoken and easy going, and enjoys games of chance (which she tends to win more often than not, much to the annoyance of her cousin Smoke Fire). Brown Leaf and Night Song are possibly a little more than best friends, even though they are quite different than one another.

24. ** **Smoke Fire - male Defender of the Hope's Spring Pack who accompanies Mist Runner on his quest to save Dahmietra from her own people. http://www.sofurry.com/view/469014

Smoke Fire is dark reddish color with black forearms, lower legs, tail and down his back. Although slender, he has broad shoulders and muscular arms and legs. His eyes are yellow, like flame.

Smoke Fire is normally very quiet and reserved, saying little. When he does speak, he speaks plainly and doesn't mince words. He is an excellent shot with a bow, and can fire more arrows than anyone else in the same amount of time. (Think of Legolas from "The Lord of the Rings".) Smoke Fire is a cousin of Brown Leaf, and he secretly has the hots for Night Song.

25. ** **Snow Spear - male Defender of the Hope's Spring Pack who accompanies Mist Runner on his quest to save Dahmietra from her own people. http://www.sofurry.com/view/467956

Snow Spear is light gray to white in appearance, with some darker fur down his back. He is about average height for his kind and well muscled. Unlike most of his people, Snow Spear wears loose-fitting light colored leggings that are wrapped with a leather thong below his knees (similar to that worn during by the Norse and Saxons during the Dark Ages), along with a breechcloth and several strands of beaded necklace. He also has leather arm bands and wrist guards.

Snow Spear is a steadfast, no-nonsense, practical and seasoned veteran of his clan's defenders. He is of higher rank than Brown Leaf, Smoke Fire and Night Song, so he gets left in charge of the group if Mist Runner and Grimm Tooth have to be away to deal with something else. Snow Spear is quite frugal and lives a very Spartan lifestyle.

26. ** **Boat Master Yureel - older adult from Warri's village who is in charge of the boats used by their people.

Yureel is mostly gray with some white and tawny patches, a little shorter and slighter build than average, but he is a lot tougher than he looks. He is an expert with various watercraft ranging from rafts on up to small sailing vessels suitable for use on lakes. Yureel is straightforward and no-nonsense, a hard worker, and excellent navigator. He enjoys a bit of ale now and then with his crews, and trades with the Wastelander farmer Edar-k'rain.

27. ** **Sky Stone - former love mate of Bane Flower, who died after being severely injured by primitive Eastlanders many centuries ago. Mist Runner tried to heal him, but Sky Stone's injuries were too severe and he had lost too much blood before he was able to get to him.

28. ** **Bird Song - young female defender assigned to the outpost at the edge of The Great Forest.

Bird Song is about average in height, weight and build for the younger females of the Ayoona-Lu-Nehm'a, her fur is mostly in shades of dark gray, with a black streak down her back, and tawny front.

Bird Song a skilled archer and huntress, patient and friendly, though she won't hesitate to cuff anyone who tries to get a bit too frisky.

29. ** **Thornbrier - the (now former) leader of the outpost at the edge of The Great Forest.

Thornbrier is average in all aspects, except for the fact that he is rather fond of eating well and not staying in as good shape as he should. His ineptness at running the outpost he was put in charge of caused Grimm Tooth to remove Thornbrier from his post in disgrace, and assign him elsewhere.

30. ** **Rock Jumper - the former second in command of the outpost who was promoted in the field by Grimm Tooth to take over the leadership of the outpost after Thornbrier was dismissed due to incompetence.

Rock Jumper is much more competent and a better leader than his predecessor, though he wishes no more than to do well at whatever assignment he is given.

31. ** **Barkberry - female assistant / scribe to the leader of the defender outpost at the edge of The Great Forest along the river.

Barkberry is essentially a "civilian" and not one of the defenders, performing office type of work (much like an "Administrative Assistant"). She is very business like, polite, and competent.

32. ** **Grey Spike - Grimm Tooth's assistant, second in command of the Defenders of The Five Eastern Forest Clans.

Grey Spike is fairly large and well muscled, his fur is colored in shades of gray and he gets his name from the fact that the fur on top of his head between his ears sticks up in sort of a spiky manner.

Grey Spike is a tough old wolf, highly skilled at what he does, a master swordsman, though he's competent with nearly any weapon he can get his paws on. He's an excellent tactician and fearless leader.

33. ** **Shadow Mist - leader of the defenders who patrol the mountains in The Northern Reaches.

Shadow Mist is somewhat slender in his build, though he is otherwise average in height. His fur is of such a neutral color that he tends to blend in with his surroundings quite easily. Highly skilled with both bow and spear, Shadow Mist also knows his mountains extremely well, and can move among the rocks as adeptly as a mountain goat. He does have the ability to shape stone, and his eyesight extends into the infrared.

34. ** **Edar-k'rain - Wastelander farmer who lives along the river near the edge of The Great Forest.

Edar-k'rain lives about half a day's journey downstream from the outpost at the edge of The Great Forest, near where the main trade route crosses the river. An otherwise typical Wastelander in appearance, he is generally well mannered, even tempered, and content with farm life. Edar-k'rain is in his 30's, and has a wife and five children. He trades with Yureel and they have become friends.

35. ** **Usantra - Daughter of Ahng-Shi (female of the Dark Blood Clan) and Tamzar (Wastelander, possibly of mixed blood with the Dark Bloods), fifth and most favored wife of Dahmel-Tur, progenitor of Dahmietra's line.

Usantra was promised to Dahmel-Tur by Tamzar to appease his indignation over Ahng-Shi having chosen him over Dahmel-Tur. Between Tamzar, Ahng-Shi and Ma'al-Sekt, they worked to get Dahmel-Tur to make Usantra his most favored wife, even though she was the youngest (having just come of age), which angered the other four wives and their clans.

She was about 5 feet 3 inches tall, with lighter complexion than the other Wastelander females of the time, with thick red hair and pale eyes. It is not known if Usantra exhibited any magical abilities, though she was highly intelligent and manipulative. There have been several among her line through the generations who seemed to have inherited (or otherwise acquired) Dahmel-Tur's madness, either through DNA or through the manipulations of the Dark Bloods.

---

36. ** **Tamzar - mate of Ahng-Shi (of the Dark Blood Clan), cousin of Ma'al-Sekt (of the Dark Blood Clan), father of Usantra, and one of the original five followers of Dahmel-Tur.

Not much is written in the ancient texts about Tamzar, other than he was one of the five other young apprentices at the mining camp with Dahmel-Tur, and a cousin to Mal-Sehk (a.k.a. Ma'al-Sekt), who was older. When Ahng-Shi chose him over Dahmel-Tur, in order to appease his friend, Tamzar offered to give him a girl-child when she became old enough. The only known offspring between Tamzar and Ahng-Shi was Usantra.

It is said that when Tamzar finally died of old age (he reputedly lived to be over 300 years), a dark cloud rose up from his body and disappeared in the direction of the cave where Dahmel-Tur had met Ahng-Shi.

37. ** **Salzar - guard of the Wastelander village of Cedar Knoll with the rank of sergeant, who has known Mist Runner for 20 years. http://www.sofurry.com/view/466315

Salzar is about 5 feet 8 inches tall, balding on top, with reddish brown hair and hazel eyes (he's half Eastlander on his father's side). Personality-wise, Salzar acts very much like a typical sergeant to his men while on duty; off duty, he is a bit more relaxed though is always observant of his surroundings. He and Mist Runner met one day while Mist Runner was helping Alnakh work on the inn. Salzar was involved in an accident along the village wall, and had injured his leg. Mist Runner healed the injury without hesitation - something that Salzar never forgot. Over time, they became good friends. Salzar has a wife and two children.

38. ** **Kahl-Se'et Kh'rel-Mahb - senior cleric in charge of the temple in Cedar Knoll.

Kahl-Se'et is slightly taller than the average Wastelander at 5 feet 7 inches, with salt-and-pepper gray hair and distinguished features. He is part of what amounts to a progressive movement among some of the more liberal clerics, and most open to the idea that his society is in great need of positive change if they are to continue to be a part of the world. He has the respect, if not the admiration, of many of the villagers in Cedar Knoll and the surrounding area. Kahl-Se'et is a strong, though gentle leader, compassionate and diplomatic.

39. ** **Taymak - an assistant of the High Cleric.

Taymak is a young Wastelander male who is one of the High Cleric's assistants, and will likely be encountered while traveling with His Holiness. He is 18 years old, about 5 ft 5 in tall, 145 lbs, black hair, brown eyes, with light brown skin. Just before arriving at The Gathering, Night Song tried to teach young Taymak a little "life lesson".

40. ** **The Old Cook - the elderly Wastelander woman who cooks meals at Alnakh's inn.

The old cook seldom ever speaks, and on the rare occasion that she does, her speech is dry and brittle sounding. She is likely in her late 70's, maybe even in her early 80's, about 5 ft 0 in tall, long gray hair, slightly hunched, and walks a bit stiffly. The old woman lives alone in a small cottage. On the night of the incident at the inn, Mist Runner escorted the cook to her home, making sure that she arrived safely, much to her appreciation.

41. ** **Khel-Sehk - member of the Dark Blood Clan who has plans for Dahmietra.

Like all of his kind, Khel-Sehk has flame red hair, pallid gray skin, and red eyes. He is a magic-user, and also the main protagonist in the first volume. Khel-Sehk makes all of the humans who get near him very nervous, he is arrogant, quite sure (and full) of himself, and sarcastic. He tends to draw out words ending with an "s" into a soft hiss. Khel-Sehk is about 5 ft 10 in tall, slender build, though hides his appearance beneath a cloak with a full cowl hood. He has come to the enclave where Dahmietra was at on several occasions trying to convince the High Cleric to hand her over to him, claiming to be related to Tamzar and Mal-Sehk. He appears at The Gathering.

42. ** **Ma'al-Sekt - one of the Dark Blood Clan, supposedly related to Tamzar.

Known as "Mal-Sehk" among the Wastelanders, Tamzar claimed that he was a cousin (if so, then that would mean that Tamzar would be at least partially, if not wholly, Dark Blood himself). He aided Tamzar and Ahng-Shi with convincing Dahmel-Tur to make Usantra his favorite. Not much else is said of him in the ancient Wastelander texts, however, Warri has read about him in the archives located in Hope's Spring.

43. ** **Mal-Sehk - the Wastelander name for Ma'al-Sekt of the Dark Blood Clan.

44. ** **Ahng-Shi - female of the Dark Blood Clan who first befriended, and then ensnared, Dahmel-Tur. http://www.sofurry.com/view/466616

Like all of her kind, Ahng-Shi has flame red hair, pallid gray skin, and red eyes. She was said to be otherwise attractive, enough that Dahmel-Tur desired her for himself. He became quite upset when she ended up choosing to be with Tamzar (though this was planned all along, only poor young Dahmel-Tur didn't have a clue that he was being played as a pawn in a much larger--and wholly evil--scheme. It was she who gave Dahmel-Tur the "Wraith Song" necklace that both ensnared him and--over time--drove him to madness. Ahng-Shi became the mate of Tamzar and the mother of Usantra, the progenitor of Dahmietra's line.

45. ** **Kurietta - female tribal dancer from the ancient Skunatii village of M'yerrber-khis ("my/your berry kiss"), mate of Grimm Tooth, sister of Meri, daughter of Elmric and Elretta. http://www.sofurry.com/view/423579

Kurietta is 30 years old, 5 ft 6 in tall, 126 lbs, pale blue eyes, black fur with a single broad white stripe down her back and top of her tail, with white fur on her face, throat, and upper chest. Kurietta has long white and black hair on her head, and typically wears two long braids on either side of her head. Kurietta's typical assortment of jewelry is mostly braided leather and beads.

Kurietta is generally fearless (though she's not overly fond of heights), bold, decisive, and fun loving. She can be playful, sweet, intensely curious, seductive, stubborn, and has somewhat of a quick temper. Fortunately, Kurietta never stays mad for very long, and she is never spiteful...though she does have the natural and extremely accurate defensive ability of her kind (the infamous musk spray), and she's not afraid to use it. She enjoys life and is generally happy-go-lucky. Her main passions are berries (or anything else sweet), dancing, and being with both Grimm Tooth and Mist Runner. Although she's mated to Grimm, she also loves Mist Runner equally as much as she sees little difference between the two as far as their spirits are concerned (in her mind they're two of the same berry, just picked from different bushes). Kurietta and her sister Meri were born over 10,000 years ago. Kurietta went wandering with both Grimm Tooth and Mist Runner for a period of seven years, and shortly after they returned to her village, she was killed during a flash flood that ravaged her village. Grimm Tooth's mother, Mistress Starfire, foresaw that would happen to her son's greatest love, so she wove a spell-prayer that bound the two of them together. As long as one still lived, the other could be brought back. When Kurietta died in the raging flood waters, she was taken, body and spirit, into the Spirit Realm, where she stayed in a special sleep until she could be brought back.

46. ** **Minxie - Skunatii female of the modern Woodland People village of Sasnorah, adventurer, friend of Dennella. http://www.sofurry.com/view/423926

Minxie is 25 years old, 5 ft 4 in tall, weighs 110 lbs, single, has brown eyes, long white hair, black fur with white stripe on her back and tail, white on her face (on muzzle and around eyes) and down her front.

Unbeknownst to both Minxie and her friend Dennella, they are actually related (albeit very distantly) to Kurietta and Meri though their father's (Elmric) side of the family, which is where they get their adventurous nature. Although Minxie greatly enjoys dancing, her greatest love (besides sweet berries, of course!) is adventuring. She is something of a risk taker, though she's not foolhardy. If it wasn't for the persistent, intense persecution of her people by the Wastelanders, she would not hesitate to explore the various ancient ruins deeper into their territory.

47. ** **Jex - Cunatii male of the modern Woodland People village of Sasnorah, adventurer, son of Dex and Jan, brother of Fen, and his adopted human brother Shilar.

Jex is 20 years old, 5 ft 6 in tall, 148 lbs, single, has greenish-hazel eyes, gray fur with white down his front, and the black "mask" and tail rings common to his people. He has a rather athletic build, nimble, and skilled with the short bow that he favors.

Like most of the younger generation of the Woodland People, Jex is rather open-minded as far as relations between the different races, perhaps more so in his case due to his parents having taken in the orphaned Eastlander male, Shilar, as a foster child. Jex definitely enjoys a wide variety of food, and can usually be found munching on something. Like his sister, Fen, Jex enjoys partying and is rather fun loving. Jex cares a lot about his younger sister and foster brother, and he won't hesitate to stand up to Pumatii males if need be.

48. ** **Shilar - Eastlander male of the modern Woodland People village of Sasnorah, adventurer, musician, foster brother of both Jex and Fen.

Shilar is nearly 6 ft tall, 170 lbs, 18 years old, has shoulder length reddish blonde hair, blue eyes, and fair skin.

When Shilar was only a few years old, his family had to leave their home due to depredations of Wastelander warriors. While they were traveling by wagon with their belongings, they were set upon by a group of Wastelander marauders, and tried to make a run for it. Unfortunately, their wagon hit something and overturned, trapping little Shilar under it. A Cunatii hunting party witnessed the chase and rushed to the aid of the Eastlanders, however the Wastelanders killed Shilar's family and then fled before they arrived. Hearing the cries of a child coming from under the wagon, they pulled Shilar out and decided to take him back to their village. They buried Shilar's family and gathered up what remained of their belongings so that Shilar would have them when he grew up. Dex, who was a member of the hunting party, and his mate Jan, offered to raise Shilar as one of their own.

Shilar tends to be relaxed and easy going, is quite a dreamer, and has become a talented musician. He enjoys adventuring with his foster brother and sister, and was taught by their warrior grandfather how to defend himself.

49. ** **Lordan - Skunatii male, leader of the group of adventurers that joins up with Mist Runner's at The Gathering.

Lordan is 28 years old, 5 ft 6 in tall, 142 lbs, brown eyes, black fur with two white stripes down his back and tail, and white hair on his head. He typically wears a long (to mid thigh) grayish-green vest with pockets, and knee breeches.

Lordan has a fair amount of experience at woodscraft, tracking, hunting, and general exploring. He is somewhat irascible, and not quite as open-minded as his younger companions are.

50. ** **Fen - Cunatii female of the modern Woodland People village of Sasnorah, adventurer, daughter of Dex and Jan, sister of Jex and her adopted human brother Shilar. http://www.sofurry.com/view/423496

Fen is 19 years old, single, 5 ft 4 in tall, weighs 122 lbs, has hazel eyes, very long black hair, gray fur with white down her front, and the black mask and tail rings typical of her race. She has a rather athletic build as she enjoys a good workout (much to the appreciation of many males who happen to be watching).

Fen loves Shilar as much as any other member of her family, and thinks of him as being just as much her brother as Jex is, despite the fact that Shilar is an Eastlander (human). She has a rather noticeable sensuality about her, and is quite the partier. Upon meeting Night Song and getting to know her a little, Fen quickly developed a strong friendship with her despite the great difference in age (Night Song is over 24,000 years old).

51. Dennella - Skunatii female of the modern Woodland People village of Sasnorah, adventurer, friend of Minxie. http://www.sofurry.com/view/423926

Dennella is 26 years old, single, 5 ft 5 in tall, 118 lbs, has brown eyes, black fur with a white stripe down her back and tail, she has a white strip of fur down the center of her forehead to her nose, a patch of white fur on her chest, and white fur on her belly.

Unbeknownst to both Dennella and her friend Minxie, they are actually related (albeit very distantly) to Kurietta and Meri though their father's (Elmric) side of the family, which is where they get their adventurous nature. Dennella seems to be a bit more restrained and cautious than her friend Minxie. As is typical of her kind, she has a great fondness for anything sweet. Dennella is also an excellent dancer, and both she and Minxie has invited Kurietta to come visit their village and teach some of the ancient dance styles to them.

52. Elretta - Skunatii female, mother of both Kurietta and Meri, mate of Elmric, former tribal dancer, from the ancient Skunatii village of M'yerrber-khis ("my/your berry kiss"). http://www.sofurry.com/view/458340

Elretta was 50 years old, 5 ft 6 in tall and weighed 145 lbs, at the time Kurietta died in the flash flood that ravaged their village 10,000 years in the past. In the present time in the story, Elretta appears along with Elmric in spirit form while they are within The Great Forest (much like how Obi-Wan appeared to Luke in "Star Wars"). Unlike most spirits, Elretta and Elmric, plus Meri and some of their friends, stayed behind to become "Unseen Ones" in order to wait for Grimm Tooth to eventually return to the ruins of their village. They kept watch over Kurietta while she slept in a magically induced form of suspended animation in the Spirit Realm. Upon the group's return to The Great Forest from The Gathering, Foxfire was able to allow the spirit forms of Elretta, Elmric, and Meri to be seen and heard by everyone.

Elretta and Elmric were greatly saddened by the (apparent) death of their eldest daughter Kurietta, and later when Meri took her own life, their grief was beyond words. They lived out their lives wondering why they had to lose both of their children. When their lives eventually came to an end, they learned what had happened to Kurietta and refused to continue their path around The Great Circle, staying beside the suspended form of Kurietta with Meri joining them. Later, after Kurietta was returned to the Realm of the Living, Elretta and Elmric continued to try and guide her as best as they could as Unseen Ones ("the little whisper that we don't hear, yet do", as Foxfire would say). When Meri was miraculously brought forward in time and saved, the spirits of Elretta and Elmric finally found a measure of peace and comfort, knowing that their daughters were given another chance at life.

53. Elmric - Skunatii male, father of both Kurietta and Meri, mate of Elretta, former warrior, from the ancient Skunatii village of M'yerrber-khis ("my/your berry kiss").

Elmric was 52 years old, 5 ft 7 in tall, and weighed 152 lbs, at the time Kurietta died in the flash flood that ravaged their village 10,000 years in the past. In the present time in the story, Elmric appears along with Elretta in spirit form while they are within The Great Forest (much like how Obi-Wan appeared to Luke in "Star Wars").

Elmric was a seasoned warrior and had quite an adventurous nature, as did several on his side of the family. Since young Kurietta exhibited his desire for adventure, he trained her in the Skunatii style of martial arts, while Elretta taught her how to be a tribal dancer. Elmric was a caring and loving mate to Elretta, and did his very best to be an excellent father to his girls (see the rest of the information under Elretta's description).

54. Meri - Skunatii female, younger sister of Kurietta, daughter of both Elmric and Elretta, former tribal dancer from the ancient Skunatii village of M'yerrber-khis ("my/your berry kiss"). http://www.sofurry.com/view/423516

Meri was 27 years old at the time of her older sister's (apparent) death, and she herself died a few years later by ending her own life due to grief and deep depression over the loss of her sister. She is 5 ft 5 in tall, 120 lbs, with pale blue eyes, and two stripes of white fur going down her back and tail, white hair, and white fur on her muzzle, around her eyes, and all the way down her front. Meri is a bit more curvy compared to her sister Kurietta.

Unlike her sister, Meri does not have Kurietta's bold, outgoing nature. When she was younger, she would act rather carefree and flirtatious, but underneath that façade, she was hesitant and unsure, always hanging back and staying at the edges. When Kurietta left to go wandering with Mist Runner and Grimm Tooth, she seemed lost without her sister. After Kurietta was taken by the flood, Meri gradually slipped into a deep depression, and went from one failed relationship to another, before she ended up taking her own life by ingesting a poison. Over 10,000 years later, her body was brought forward in time on the verge of death by Mist Runner, and saved by the concerted efforts of Fire Weaver, Starfire, Spirit Feather, and Foxfire. Red Moon and Mist Runner have taken Meri in and are helping her get her second chance at life off to a good start.

55. Tah-Noor - Wastelander male of the Dahl-Shan sect, from the tribe of Nur-Anahya, located in The Whispering Hills.

Typical in appearance as many Wastelander males (stocky, black hair, brown eyes, light brown skin), Tah-Noor is in his 40's with a touch of gray at his temples. Personality-wise, Tah-Noor is arrogant, rude, greedy, ambitious, scheming, and generally someone most others want to keep a distance from.

Tah-Noor is a henchman of Khel-Sehk, and is deeply involved in the scheme to get Dahmietra for the Dark Bloods. He is one of the few humans who know what they have in store for her, having been taken down into their midst and promised a reward for his service.

56. Taminya - Wastelander female, mate of Alnakh.

Taminya is 39 years old, 5 ft 2 in tall, long black hair and brown eyes, still in fair shape after having three children (1 boy, 2 girls). Although quiet, soft spoken and reserved, she is an intelligent woman and--like her husband--one of the more progressive thinking citizens of the village of Cedar Knoll. Taminya enjoys dancing, and does some sewing to add to the family income. She is patient with her children and became something of a surrogate mother to Nezcha, who she treats as if she were one of her own children. Taminya accepts Mist Runner as a close friend of the family.

57. Night Blaze - a First One, mate of Mistress Starfire, father of Grimm Tooth and Foxfire, best friend of Sky Splitter.

Night Blaze is a huge male when in physical form, nearly as tall as his son, Grimm, though much stronger. His enthusiasm for life sometimes causes him to forget his own strength, which is extraordinary. Night Blaze has a generally happy, almost carefree, personality (which Foxfire most likely takes after him in that regard), though he is more intelligent and aware than he often lets on. He has been best of friends with Sky Splitter for as long as either of them can remember.

58. Ewvin of Pelnas - Southlander male from the village of Pelnas, near the Pelgrez River in the North Ward of the Kingdom of Ghioltha, mate of Jansina, father of Maiyana / Tree Song. http://www.sofurry.com/view/465964

Ewvin is in his mid-20's, 5 ft 8 in tall, 160 lbs, light brown hair, brown eyes, and average build. He is the son of a potter, and a skilled artisan. Ewvin is fairly calm, considerate, polite, enjoys the works of the famous poetess Thalmina, and is practical when it comes to day-to-day living. He is, however, intensely phobic of heights and has been known to go into a catatonic shock when he's a distance above ground. Their daughter, Maiyana, was born in Hope's Spring under the care of Fire Weaver, and was also given the name of Tree Song, by which she will be known as among the Ayoona-Lu-Nehm'a.

59. Jansina of Pelnas - Southlander female from the village of Pelnas, near the Pelgrez River in the North Ward of the Kingdom of Ghioltha, mate of Ewvin, mother of Maiyana / Tree Song. http://www.sofurry.com/view/465964

Jansina is in her early 20's, 5 ft 4 in tall, 119 lbs, long brown hair, and hazel eyes. She is a skilled weaver of fabric, and a kind and considerate person.

Jansina and Ewvin had to flee their home in Pelnas due to invading Corsan warriors. Taking only what they could quickly grab and toss into the small wagon that Ewvin's uncle gave them, they fled north and ended up in the village of Cedar Knoll, where they met Mist Runner and company. Jansina was pregnant with their second child (they lost their firstborn who came prematurely) and had a difficult trip. Since they had no place to stay and no employment, Mist Runner invited them to come to the outpost just within The Great Forest. Lore Mistress Fire Weaver came to the outpost during their first night there and using her healing skills, corrected a health issue related to Jansina's pregnancy. Later, when it was near the time for the little one to come out, Ewvin and Jansina were brought to Hope's Spring and stayed with Fire Weaver and Sky Splitter so she could deliver her baby with Fire Weaver's assistance.

60. Baltha, King - current ruler of the Southlander kingdom of Ghioltha, whose royal palace is in the coastal city of Crescent Bay.

Baltha is a tall man at 6 ft 4 in, weighs 200 lbs, powerful build, reddish-brown hair and beard, green eyes, and fair skin. He is also known as "the Just", he is a fair and wise ruler who is well favored by the people. Baltha's military forces are renowned for their level of professionalism, courage, and discipline.

61. Sky Splitter - a First One, mate of Lore Mistress Fire Weaver, father of Mist Runner, and powerful wielder of magic.

Sky Splitter is 7 ft 6 in tall and 275 lbs in his physical form, and his fur colors are creamy-white on his front, feet and hands, blending into deepening shades of gray, tawny, reddish browns and black.

He is totally devoted to his mate, Fire Weaver, and she to him. They are bond mates, and have been such since before arriving on the world of Y'Nahra. Ancient beyond the reckoning of mortals, he is intuitive, and wise, and has a great understanding of natural forces (including time) and the ability to manipulate energy. It was Sky Splitter who created the magical lighting for the pathways throughout the village of Hope's Spring, and he also played a part in the arrival of the First Ones.

62. Shri'an of the V'Aertii - daughter of the First Ones, Shri'ean and Kre'eena, childhood friend of both Mist Runner and Grimm Tooth, mother of T'Lana, Aeryan'ee, and K'ree. http://www.sofurry.com/view/437517

In her normal form, Shri'an appears as a giant bird-of-prey with a wingspan of 68 ft, and weighs 800+ lbs. Her coloration is a cream color on her underside, with reddish-brown and brown on her back top side of her wings. Shri'an's eye ridges, the ends of her ear tufts, back of her neck and chest area are darker colored. Her eyes are yellow, and the heavily scaled lower part of her legs are also yellowish. Like all of her kind, Shri'an has the ability to reduce her size to a more anthropomorphic form with gives her "wing-hands" at the wrist joints of her wings. She is still rather tall in her reduced form, at 11 ft in height.

Shri'an is the same age as both Mist Runner and Grimm Tooth, and they grew up together along with a few other first-born of the First Ones, and have remained life-long friends. Despite their physical differences, Shri'an and Mist Runner became childhood sweethearts and even built a play nest together, which unknown to Shri'an, Mist Runner kept a twig from it and had his father cast a permanency spell on it so that it would endure the passage of time, just as their friendship has. Shri'an considers Mist Runner as her first love and best friend, and still teases him (and Grimm, too) by playfully threatening to carry one or both off to her nest "to have fun".

63. Notch Ear - young male defender third rank, assigned to the outpost at the edge of The Great Forest.

Notch Ear is 7 ft 3 in tall, mostly gray in coloration with some off-white and reddish brown. He got his name from the distinctive "notch" along the edge his left ear (he was born that way). He is the senior member of the patrol that went to investigate the Wastelanders that tried to intercept Mist Runner's party just as they were approaching the outpost. "Notch", as he's often called by his friends and peers, has a basic level of skill with the Wastelander language, and prefers to carry throwing spears (about equal to a javelin) and a short sword (treat as a human-sized one-handed sword).

64. Patch - young male defender fourth rank, assigned to the outpost at the edge of The Great Forest.

Patch gets his name from the area of dark fur around his right eye. He is 7 ft 1 in tall, athletic build and mostly a light cream color on his front side blending into a more reddish brown elsewhere. Patch typically carries a bow and short sword while on duty.

65. Ivy - young female defender fourth rank, assigned to the outpost at the edge of The Great Forest.

Ivy is 6 ft 10 in tall and somewhat slender, she is colored mostly in shades of brown and gray, with a dark streak down her back on top of tail.

She is a "plant talker", meaning that she has the ability to magically control plants to do her bidding. Still somewhat new at being a defender, most of her duties have been limited to simpler responsibilities and training. Being picked to accompany Notch Ear to investigate the Wastelander warriors was her first assignment involving small unit tactics, which she felt was something of an honor. Ivy is skilled in the use of a bow and also short sword.

66. Three Socks - young male defender fourth rank, assigned to the outpost at the edge of The Great Forest.

Three Socks got his name because both of his feet and his right hand are covered with white fur (his left hand is covered with gray fur). He his mostly gray with a bit of white on his chest. Three Socks is 7 ft 0 in tall.

Three Socks is cautious, but only because he knows he lacks the experience of many of his older peers. Once he learns something new, and gains confidence in the skill, he will use it efficiently.

67. Hath-Zhan - male Wastelander who was part of the group of warriors led by Khasred the Merciless that tried to intercept Mist Runner's group as they approached the outpost at the edge of The Great Forest.

Hath-Zhan is typical in size and build for a Wastelander warrior, he's in his upper 20's, and lightly armored. He firmly believes the tales told among his people about The Great Forest, and was reluctant to attempt to cross its boundary. Having been born near the Wastelands, he feels uneasy being where he can't see the horizon. Although he has been on many raids with Khasred, he doesn't always approve of his leader's ways. He learned early on, however, to watch what he says around Khasred, having seen first hand the often-brutal response Khasred doles out to those who question him too much.

68. Khasred the Merciless - male Wastelander warrior, leader of the band of mercenaries known as "The Sword of Kroh-Sif".

Khasred is large for a Wastelander, at 5 ft 8 in tall and a muscular 225 lbs. He has black hair, dusky skin, a hooked nose, and piercing eyes. Khasred lives up to his moniker of "the merciless" in every way. Khasred is utterly ruthless and extremely arrogant; he will not hesitate to kill anyone that offends him the least bit. Khasred gets results to be sure, but he does so by raping, pillaging, plundering, and massacring his way through villages and towns alike. The very mention of his name is enough to instill fear among other humans who have seen his handiwork.

69. Thalmina the Poetess - a Southlander poetess of high regard.

Thalmina is highly renowned for her dramatic style of poetry (along the lines of ancient Greek dramatists). She lives in the city of Crescent Bay, the capitol of Ghioltha, where she writes and gives performances. Thalmina's collected works fills several volumes of books, though copies of much smaller compilations may occasionally find their way into households of average folk, and treated as family heirlooms.

70. Mashera - a First One, guide of Dahmietra, Kurietta, and Meri, on their journey of the heart to The Heart of The Great Forest. http://www.sofurry.com/view/462140

Mashera is one of the younger First Ones (still incredibly ancient), who once made the mistake of trying to come between Fire Weaver and Sky Splitter before the First Ones arrived on the world of Y'Nahra. Her normal physical form is that of a female of the Nomenara--she is 6 ft 6 in tall, 150 lbs, with white hair, violet colored eyes, upswept pointed ears, and light brown skin. Mashera is a shape changer, able to become anything she desires, and she also has powerful mental abilities (telepathy, teleportation, empathy, telekinesis, etc).

Mashera is a bit full of herself and tends to be a little arrogant. The rift between Mashera and Fire Weaver is almost legendary--Mashera never admitted to her mistake, and Fire Weaver has never forgotten, or forgiven, her of attempting to come between her and Sky Splitter (who never had any desire for Mashera in the first place), much to the annoyance of Spirit Feather. Mashera ends up getting quite an attitude adjustment from unexpected sources.