Wulfgard Wiki - User contributions [en]

Reading Order

2025-10-16T02:46:33Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

The "correct" reading order of the Wulfgard publications can get confusing. This article is here to help!

A great place to begin, even though it is late chronologically among certain published works, is [[Knightfall]].

==Chronological Order==
Here are the Wulfgard stories in order according to when each one takes place in the Wulfgard [[timeline]]:

*[[The Tomb of Ankhu]]
*[[Potential Energy]] (in [[Tales of Wulfgard: Volume 1]])
*[[Speak No Evil]] (in [[Tales of Wulfgard: Volume 1]])
*[[A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing]] (in [[Tales of Wulfgard: Volume 1]])
*[[Wake Not the Sleeping Bull]] (in [[Tales of Wulfgard: Volume 1]])
*[[The Hunt Never Ends]]
*[[Hunted]] (in [[Tales of Wulfgard: Volume 1]])
*[[Into the North]]
*[[The Demon's Fang]]
*[[Knightfall]]

==Main Storylines==
These are the main storylines / series in Wulfgard.

*'''[[The Prophecy of the Six]]''' - the story of [[Tom Drake]]
**[[The Hunt Never Ends]] - Tom Drake appears in 2 stories
**[[Knightfall]] - Book 1 of the Prophecy of the Six
*'''The Waters of Eternity''' - Story of [[Stígander]] and [[Plutarch]] and their many companions.
**[[Into the North]] (ongoing)
*'''Caiden Voros''' - the story of Caiden & Gwen, Imperial monster hunters
**[[The Hunt Never Ends]]
**[[Hunted]] (in [[Tales of Wulfgard: Volume 1]])
*'''Djedar Rath''' - the story of Djedar Rath, escaped slave turned Medjai warrior
**[[The Tomb of Ankhu]]
*'''Tales of Wulfgard''' - short story collections
**[[Tales of Wulfgard: Volume 1]]
**Tales of Wulfgard: Volume 2 (not yet published)

[[Category:Stories]][[Category:Online Stories]][[Category:Novels]]

Arachnian

2025-07-20T05:47:54Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

[[File:Wolfspider_arachnian_vs_Tom_Drake.png|thumb|340px|Tom Drake facing off against a wolfspider arachnian.]]Part spider and part man, arachnians are some of the most feared [[Beastfolk|beastfolk]] in the mortal realm. Though most lead solitary lives, some still live in cultured societies in dark places beyond the notice of [[Man|Men]]. Like most of their spider kin, they largely prefer darkness to light, making caves and abandoned ruins some of their favorite homes.
==Types==
There are two primary types of arachnians, although both contain a wide variety of sub-races.
===Hunters===
In appearance, "hunter" arachnians are even more monstrous than many other types of beastfolk. Instead of bearing human arms and a human torso, these arachnians have a total of eight legs like their animal kin - two of which they use for walking upright, while the other six are used as arms. Their hands are not like Men, however, and instead bear three long, claw-like fingers, including a thumb. Their bodies are hairy and muscular, and their head is like that of a spider, but with a human-like mouth hidden behind their fangs, which allows them to speak and eat as men do. They vary in size, but in typical beastfolk fashion, all are the size of a man or larger. The vast majority of "hunter" types are solitary, but a few group cultures have been observed, often around the ruins of ancient temples.
===Stalkers===
"Stalker" arachnians are similar in appearance to the [[Centaur|centaur]]: they have the lower body of a spindly-legged spider, but the torso, arms, and head of a man. Cunning creatures, they build great web-homes and will usually slay any who enter. While many are solitary, some build societies for their mutual benefit, usually in dark forests or underground caves. They have been known to store captured men and beasts in sacs of web for many days, before filling the web sac with corrosive venom that reduces the prey to a soup, which is then ingested. Females are larger and stronger than males and always dominant in a group setting. They choose their mates carefully, slaying any who displease them.

[[Category:Monsters]][[Category:Beastfolk]]

Amphibian Beastfolk

2025-07-20T05:47:38Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

Amphibian [[Beastfolk|beastfolk]] include frog-men, toad-men, and salamanders. They have been known to dwell deep in the world's largest marshes, forests, and jungles, often living in villages together for their mutual benefit.
==Types==
Though amphibians vary widely in terms of size, strength, and coloration, there are three particular types that stand out above the rest.
===Frog-men===
These smaller amphibian beastfolk are lithe and incredibly agile. Many frog folk are dull-colored to match their drab, moist environments, but those who dwell in certain jungles bear bright coloration, as skin is covered in deadly poison. Frog-men are masters of the treetops, striking from the shadows and sometimes setting elaborate traps. They are fast and smart, utilizing their great dexterity to give them as much advantage as possible. They generally use weapons when attacking - usually spears, bows, and blowguns - and occasionally they will disarm or trip enemies with their long, sticky tongues.
===Toad-men===
Some amphibians grow to an enormous size, leaving them grounded from the trees their smaller brethren call home. Sometimes referred to as "toad-men," these larger amphibian beastfolk are considered slow-moving thanks to their enormous bulk, but they are immensely strong, tough, and can be remarkably swift when pressed. Some stories tell of toad-men so large that they can swallow men whole, sticking them with their tongue and then drawing them into their maw, trapping them there. Toad-men are usually drab in color, blending in with their swamp or forest homes.
[[File:Amphibian_by_dagoth.png|thumb|Salamander-woman. Art by [https://www.facebook.com/ArtofCalebDuke/ Caleb Duke] (AKA Dagoth).]]
===Salamanders===
Salamander-folk can often be found living amongst their froglike brethren. They are distinguishable by their longer, almost serpentine bodies and long tails. Like the smaller frog-folk, they are agile and prefer to use weapons to fight. In fact, they are said to be skilled smiths with an affinity to fire. Whether or not they are actually related to the fire elemental [[Salamandra|Salamandrae]] is unknown.
==Culture==
Most amphibians live in either swamps or jungles, and their culture is - as with most beastfolk - viewed by [[Men]] as simple and savage. They live in fairly small wooden villages, which are often built partially beneath water. Frog, toad, and salamander-men often live together and cooperate to survive, occasionally making pacts with other swamp-dwelling beastfolk races. Like many of their kin, amphibians largely follow an animistic religion, worshiping the spirits of nature and the land above all else. Similar to [[Saurian|saurians]], however, some amphibians will take to worshiping [[Dragon|dragons]].

[[Category:Monsters]][[Category:Beastfolk]]

Avian

2025-07-20T05:47:21Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

[[File:Creature_avian.png|thumb|300px|A raven or crow Avian.]]Avians are bird [[Beastfolk|beastfolk]]. In the West, avians are often equated with assorted creatures with feathered wings and go by many names, including harpies; they are frequently confused with various types of [[Demon|demons]], despite being ordinary beastfolk.
==Types==

These bird-folk come in many varieties and live in all parts of the world. They are some of the most numerous of the beastmen, alongside [[Saurian|saurians]]. There exist various types of avians, including ravens, crows, eagles, hawks, falcons, vultures, and owls.

==Culture==
Usually dwelling in the mountains, the eagle-men hunt alone, while groups of crow- and vulture-men scavenge for food in large, terrifying flocks. The nature of avian culture is a mystery, as they generally roost high along mountains and in other areas that [[Man|men]] cannot easily reach.

[[Category:Monsters]][[Category:Beastfolk]]

Hyetzu

2025-07-20T05:46:30Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

The Hyetzi (singular Hyetzu), as the natives of [[The South|the South]] call them, are hyena beastfolk. In [[Deshret]] they are sometimes confused with [[Revenant|revenants]] due to their largely nocturnal preferences and their penchant for eating dead flesh.

==Appearance==

Some travelers claim that hyetzi are hyenas who become beastmen by night, but this is untrue, as hyetzi do not have any shapeshifting abilities or undergo any kind of transformation. Like most beastfolk, they have the head, legs, feet, tail, claws, and fur of their animal counterpart, but the torsos, arms, and hands of men.
==Culture==

Although legend has it that hyetzi are blood-drinkers who only prey on the dying, they actually hunt in addition to scavenging, although they only prey on [[Men|men]] if they wander far from their beaten paths. Hyetzi attack humans more often during the night than the day, as they can use their senses to their advantage and pick off unsuspecting travelers who are foolish enough to travel by night.
===Lifestyle===

Hyetzi live in fairly small packs and have a nomadic lifestyle, moving from place to place and setting up temporary villages of tents made from animal hides, if they do not simply sleep under the open sky. They could be considered less civilized than some beastfolk. Although they are just as intelligent as other beastfolk and occasionally make their own weapons and armor, they generally just scavenge their kills for armor, weapons, and supplies, creating cobbled and tattered outfits with bits of armor wherever it will fit, so long as they maintain reasonable freedom of movement.

[[Category:Monsters]][[Category:Beastfolk]]

Minotaur

2025-07-20T05:45:57Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

[[File:Creature_minotaur_lord.png|thumb|300px|A minotaur lord on his throne.]]Taurians (also called minotaurs) are among the largest and most powerful of [[Beastfolk|beastfolk]]. Unlike many other kinds of beastfolk, most all taurians live in a great empire with a society not too different from that of [[Achaeans]]. Taurians are most commonly found in the [[Southwestern Wilds]] of the [[Achaean Empire]], although smaller groups of them sometimes wander other areas, along with some different types of taurians living in other regions, who do not ever call themselves "minotaurs." It is only those taurians of the Minoan Empire, also called the [[Minoan Alliance]], who willingly undertake this title. Minotaurs have a strong sense of civilization and honor, and many of them view other beastfolk as primitive and divided - which they are. It is the goal of minotaurs to create a mighty empire in which their kind and other beastfolk can live peacefully.
==Appearance==
[[File:Minotaur_warrior.png|thumb|A minotaur warrior.]]Although there are many different kinds of taurians scattered across the mortal realm, by far the most well-known and most common kind are the taurians of the West, which resemble great auroch bulls and cows. Regardless, all taurians share a common appearance akin to most beastfolk: the head, legs, and tail of a taurian are those of a bull, while their torsos, arms, and hands are like those of men. They stand considerably taller than humans, and male taurians have enormous horns that come in a variety of appearances. All taurians are covered in fur like that of cattle, which comes in various shades of brown, black, grey, or white. Male taurians are capable of growing beards, though not mustaches, but this is often only seen in the very old.
==Minos and Minotaurs==
In ages past, the human King Minos was the leader of [[Knossos]]. It was an ancient Achaean city, grand and prosperous, partially thanks to the alliance Minos made with all taurian kind. Taurians served as guardians of the city, and Minos even gave passage to taurians from the mainland so they could dwell peacefully in Knossos, where they were accepted and even respected, unlike in all other human civilizations. Over time, however, tensions grew between the humans and the taurians - or "minotaurs," as they now called themselves, meaning "bulls of Minos." After Minos's death, the humans rose up against their minotaur guardians, calling them monsters and growing suspicious of them and their ways, particularly since the rest of [[Achaea]] viewed their civilization as primitive and heretical for harboring such creatures. The minotaurs were too many and far too strong at this point, however, and they crushed the human civilization that once sheltered them. But their respect for King Minos lived on, and they did not cast off their title of "Minotaurs." Soon, some taurians even began to revere Minos as a sort of god. Today, Achaeans know a different story of Minos that casts him in a light preferable to their civilization, in which he entrapped minotaurs within great labyrinths and hunted them like the beasts the Empire sees them to be. While Minos did originally erect labyrinths to shelter the minotaurs until he revealed his truce with them to all of Knossos, the story is nonetheless twisted. Today, only the minotaurs remember King Minos as he truly was.

==Culture==
The majority of taurians live on the isle of Knossos off the coast of Achaea, but there are many dwelling within the Southwestern Wilds as well, and a few smaller communities that live elsewhere entirely. The minotaurs that live on Knossos and in the Southwestern Wilds have built a mighty empire based upon that of ancient Achaea. Many of them worship Minos as their patron deity, and temples are built in his honor. Their architecture is intricate, with great columns and articulate carvings and statues. Females often do not serve as warriors, instead attending to children and the home; however, female minotaurs are not without social power, and there are many females among the Minotaur Emperor's personal council. Females are greatly respected and are seen as the highest authorities in terms of home and the family, and to disrespect a female is a terrible crime in minotaur society. In times of great need, female minotaurs may also be called upon to fight.
===The Emperor===
Knossos and its settlements in the Southwestern Wilds are ruled by a great minotaur emperor not unlike that of the Achaean Empire. He has absolute power but he nonetheless takes council with the wisest and oldest of minotaur sages and scholars.

===Lords===
Lords are directly below the Emperor on the social scale and need only answer to him when it comes to ruling over their personal territory. Minotaur lords are stationed at each individual fort in the Southwestern Wilds, and they often name this fort after their particular people or family, which misleads some humans into believing that minotaurs are still divided into tribes. Minotaur lords often lead their armies into battle, as they would not be fit to lead if they were not only wise, but also strong and brave, as all of these qualities are admired among their folk.

[[Category:Monsters]][[Category:Beastfolk]]

Rat-man

2025-07-20T05:45:31Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

The rat-folk are an elusive race of [[Beastfolk|beastfolk]] that tend to go unseen. They do not often form societies, instead often drifting among other beastfolk cultures and frequently living on the outskirts. Some even live in the underbellies of human cities, hiding in the sewers and staying away from the sight of [[Men]].
==Appearance==
Rat-folk have a typical beastman appearance, with the head, legs, tail, claws, and fur of their animal counterparts, but the arms, torsos, and hands of men. Although some tales claim otherwise, rat-folk are not exceptionally small. In fact, they are generally the same size as humans, although this still means they are smaller than many other kinds of beastfolk. They also are not often as well-built and muscled as their more predatory beastfolk kin, as rat-folk tend to be much leaner and sinewy, but this does not mean an ordinary human should underestimate their strength. They have fur colors typical to rats - grey, brown, white, and sometimes black - and their eyes come in a wide variety of colors, ranging from black to red to blue to green.
==Culture==
Lacking in a true culture of their own, rat-folk are vagrants, scavengers, and peddlers. They often dwell along the outskirts of other beastman civilizations, living off their refuse and scraps and generally taking advantage of their civilization. Although beastfolk consider them little better than pests, this is not always true, and rat-folk frequently find work in beastfolk civilizations as thieves, spies, and assassins, and other rat-folk are welcome as traders of interesting goods stolen from human cities. Rat-folk can even be found in the larger cities of Men, making their homes in the sewers and other places where they will never be seen by humans. They generally only come out at night to steal food and then escape back to their well-placed hideouts, where they sometimes hoard trinkets and other supplies.

[[Category:Monsters]][[Category:Beastfolk]]

Scorpion-man

2025-07-20T05:45:16Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

Scorpion-men (also called Aqrabuamelu) are [[beastfolk]] with the features of a man and a scorpion, in varying combinations. They mostly dwell in the deserts of [[the South]].

==Types==
Like the [[Arachnians]], most races of scorpion-men can be split into Hunters and Stalkers, though some may combine aspects of both.
===Hunters===
The more widely feared scorpion-man "hunters" stand on two legs like a man, but have many arms, with the uppermost pair bearing enormous, powerful claws that can supposedly break an unarmored man in half with one snap. Their bodies are a more even mixture of human and scorpion attributes, and they usually have a scorpion-like head. They prefer brute force combat, relying on their great strength and their natural armor in battle. They usually lead solitary lives in lairs hidden deep in the desert, from which they emerge at night to hunt for prey.
[[File:Scorpionman_by_dagoth.jpg|thumb|A smaller humanoid variety of scorpion-man. Art by [https://www.facebook.com/ArtofCalebDuke/ Caleb Duke] (Dagoth).]]
===Stalkers===
Stalkers are the more [[centaur]]-like Aqrabuamelu, with a human upper body and head protruding from the body, legs, and tail of a scorpion. While they have claws on their second set of limbs (the first pair found on the scorpion body), they are relatively weak compared to the claws of Hunters, so they usually rely on their venom and hand-made weapons in battle. Their sting is quite potent, and they often coat their spears and arrows in venom from their tail before going into battle. These Aqrabuamelu are considered more benevolent than scorpion-man "hunters" by the people of the South, since they usually worship [[Serqet]] and can be found guarding the ruins of sacred temples, in which they build their villages.

[[Category:Monsters]][[Category:Beastfolk]]

Merfolk

2025-07-20T05:45:08Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

{{stub}}

Merfolk are [[beastfolk]] of the sea who have the upper body of a human, but with a fish's tail in place of legs. Some believe the merfolk to be relatives of the [[Sirens|sea elves]] (their land-based allies), who appear similar. They come in an almost infinite variety of colors, most of which do not resemble any particular species of fish. They live in majestic underwater cities, much deeper than their sea elf allies ever venture. Although most are peaceful, they can be deadly fighters when provoked, dragging their land-based enemies under the water to drown. They tend to be very protective of their own kind, as discovered by sailors who attempt to capture mermaids and sell them. They are masters of the spear and net, and are renowned as great hunters. Their cave-dwelling, more serpentine cousins are the [[Melusine]], or Eel-Folk.

[[Category:Monsters]][[Category:Beastfolk]]

Shark-man

2025-07-20T05:44:28Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

[[File:Sharkman_by_dagoth.jpg|thumb|A sharkman wearing scavenged Imperial armor. Art by [https://www.facebook.com/ArtofCalebDuke/ Caleb Duke] (Dagoth).]]

Sharkmen are aquatic [[beastfolk]] bearing the head and tail of a shark with the arms and legs of a man.

==Culture==
Sharkmen are tenacious predators. They are often allies of [[octopians]] and adversaries of [[merfolk]]. This makes them deadly on both the land and sea, since, like merfolk, they can breathe in both environments, but the shark-men can also walk. Their favored weapon is the spear, but their jaws give them another deadly edge. They rank high on a sailor's list of fears.

[[Category:Monsters]][[Category:Beastfolk]]

Satyr

2025-07-20T05:44:05Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

[[File:Creature_satyr.png|thumb|300px|A pair of satyrs.]]

Satyrs, also called Fauns, are [[beastfolk]] with the upper body, head, and arms of a human, but the hind legs and horns of a goat. Their appearance can vary, though they all have a generally more human appearance than many beastfolk. However, there is great variety in the size and shape of their horns and their height; some satyrs may be smaller and have smaller horns, while others are taller with a stronger physique, with horns like an ibex.

==Culture==
Satyrs seem to fully enjoy life, drinking and feasting in celebration whenever possible. They grow vineyards and orchards and trade their produce with the other [[beastfolk]], making incredible wine and playing bawdy songs on their lyres. They worship [[Pan]], who is acknowledged in the [[Achaean]] pantheon as a god of the wilds and of debauchery. To the satyr, it is not debauchery at all, but simply a love of life. Nevertheless, many different cultures - from [[men]] to [[Alfar|elves]] to other beastfolk - have stories about satyrs luring their young boys and girls into the forest to take part in their hedonistic lifestyle. Most consider satyrs untrustworthy.

Despite this, the large satyr settlement of [[Cro Cabra]] has become a major trading center among the beastfolk and other peoples of the [[Southwestern Wilds]]. Inhabitants of the Wilds come from all over to visit its gardens and trade for Satyr produce. Some have tried to conquer it, but the satyrs always prove surprisingly able fighters. Like the [[Vidralfar]], they are experts at disappearing into the forests and using the land to their advantage, creating deadly ambushes, and are said to dabble in dark magic. They consider themselves one with nature, and their shamanic priests are able to bend plants and animals to their will. Despite their playful and mischievous reputation, they are not to be trifled with.

[[Category:Monsters]][[Category:Beastfolk]]

Onocentaur

2025-07-20T05:43:46Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

An onocentaur is a half-man, half-donkey. Much like [[Centaur|centaurs]] themselves, onocentaurs were cursed long ago to have the upper torso of a human, and in place of their legs is the body of their animal counterpart. However, in the way that centaurs have the body of a horse, onocentaurs have the body of a donkey.

{{stub}}

[[Category:Monsters]][[Category:Beastfolk]]

Octopian

2025-07-20T05:43:37Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

[[File:Octopian_by_klaykid.jpg|thumb|Octopian fanart by Klaykid.]]
The octopus folk and squid-folk of the deepest, darkest parts of the ocean are shrouded in mystery. The [[Merfolk]] fear and despise them as practitioners of dark magic. They are said to be some of the most intelligent and powerful magi in the world.

==Appearance==

Some octopians have octopus-like heads, with tentacles surrounding their mouths, while others have [[Men|human ]] heads and octopus tentacles in the place of legs. Exactly why their forms are so random is unknown, but it may have to do with their dabbling in the arcane, resulting in mutations and corruptions of the flesh.

[[Category:Monsters]][[Category:Beastfolk]]

Naga

2025-07-20T05:43:23Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

Nagas are snake [[beastfolk]]. The word usually refers to cobra-like beastfolk, although it may be used for other types of snake-people as well. They can be found all throughout Midgard, bearing a variety of appearances and cultures. Contrary to popular belief, they are not innately evil and have no relation to the demonic spawn of [[Apophis]] or to the demonic [[Lamia]].
==Appearance==
All nagas have the upper torso and arms of a man and the tail of a snake in place of legs; their head is like a snake's, and their body is covered in scales. They come in a wide variety of types and colors and color patterns, like their animal counterparts. Their eyes also come in a variety of hues natural to either snakes or men, including yellow, orange, red, blue, and green.
==Culture==
The cultures of the various types of nagas remain shrouded in mystery. Many snake-folk prefer to fight with poisoned weapons, using their own poison to coat their blades. Their societies vary widely between various kind of nagas, but it is common for the snake-folk to guard ancient temples and ruins.

[[Category:Monsters]][[Category:Beastfolk]]

Merfolk

2025-07-20T05:43:02Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

{{stub}}

Merfolk are [[beastfolk]] of the sea who have the upper body of a human, but with a fish's tail in place of legs. Some believe the merfolk to be relatives of the [[Sirens|sea elves]] (their land-based allies), who appear similar, but the merfolk are actually descended from various types of fish [[Shifters]]. They come in an almost infinite variety of colors, most of which do not resemble any particular species of fish. They live in majestic underwater cities, much deeper than their sea elf allies ever venture. Although most are peaceful, they can be deadly fighters when provoked, dragging their land-based enemies under the water to drown. They tend to be very protective of their own kind, as discovered by sailors who attempt to capture mermaids and sell them. They are masters of the spear and net, and are renowned as great hunters. Their cave-dwelling, more serpentine cousins are the [[Melusine]], or Eel-Folk.

[[Category:Monsters]][[Category:Beastfolk]]

Khelonian

2025-07-20T05:42:52Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

[[File:Snapping_turtle_beastman.png|thumb|300px|A male snapping turtle khelonian.]]Khelonians are great tortoise-folk that, like so many other [[Beastfolk|beastfolk]], exist all across the realm in various habitats.
==Appearance==

There are many different types of khelonians, including snapping turtles and more seemingly docile tortoises. All of them appear slightly hunchbacked due to their enormous, thick shells, but they have humanoid arms and clawed hands, as well as human torsos. Like most beastfolk, they have bestial heads, legs, feet, skin, and tails. Khelonians appear in a variety of colors, though generally they are a drab shade of green, grey, brown, or black. Some of them, however, may have very colorful designs amidst their darker coloration, including orange, red, and more.
==Culture==

Khelonians generally lead solitary lives, though many mating pairs may stay together for life. Smaller khelonians might create small, nomadic tribes, but even this is rare. These beasts eat a wide variety of foods, with snapping turtle khelonians preferring meat above all else - including men. Khelonians, while slow, are immensely strong and difficult to kill. They are also remarkably intelligent, capable of setting up elaborate traps for their prey. Their patience is perhaps their most famous quality aside from their great, armored shells; khelonians are willing to lie in wait for days by their traps until something falls into their grasp.

[[Category:Monsters]][[Category:Beastfolk]]

Formican

2025-07-20T05:42:21Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

"Formicans" is the [[Achaeans|Achaean]] term for ant beastfolk. These ant-men reside in all parts of the world, building vast underground empires in enormous tunnel networks that often bring them into conflict with other subterranean races, like [[Dwarf|dwarves]] and [[Dark Elves|dark elves]].
==Appearance==
Formicans have a typical beastman appearance, at least by way of insectoid or arachnian beastmen. They have the heads, legs, and abdomens of ants, but they have a pair of human arms with three-fingered, thumbed hands and a smaller pair of arms on their midsections. They have human-like mouths that allow them to speak and eat like men, but they still have large pincers. A wide variety of formicans exist, and their appearances vary, but in general they have these similar attributes.
==Culture==
The matriarchal society of formicans operates on a strict caste system, in which exile or execution is the punishment for disobedience to the Queen. The Queen, however, is not the only one who breeds. Certain females become her Handmaidens, who are allowed to bear children with the select males of her harem, ensuring only the finest children. Those females deemed unfit to breed become Soldiers or Workers, while males deemed unfit may simply become food. Formicans produce fungus farms and breed giant docile insects for food. Their intelligence and the might of their empires are not to be underestimated. The greatest Empire of Formicans is believed to dwell in the [[Endless Wastes]].

[[Category:Monsters]][[Category:Beastfolk]]

Felesian

2025-07-20T05:42:01Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

[[File:Tiger_felesian.png|thumb|450px|A tiger felesian, [[Khanishka]].]]The term "felesians" is the [[Achaeans|Achaean]] name for cat-folk, various types of which are known to inhabit all parts of the mortal realm. Their cultures and traditions vary from place to place, with some leading solitary lives and others forming prides, but all are incredibly skilled hunters who prefer to live far from the eyes of human civilization. Because of this and their natural mastery of stealth, felesians are very rarely seen. Contrary to some stories, they experience no shapeshifting; felesians are born as beastmen and remain that way throughout their lives. All felesians bear the head, legs, tail, and fur of their feline counterparts, but the torsos, arms, and hands of men. Also, save for the cheetah-folk, all felesians have retractable claws on their fingers and feet/paws. Male felesians can grow beards, but not mustaches, though this is fairly rare and usually only occurs in the old. The types of felesians listed here are certainly not all of them - many others exist, such as jaguar-folk, leopard-folk of various types (including snow leopards and black panthers), and many more.
==Tiger-folk==
Among the largest and most feared of all beastfolk, the tiger felesians are a proud people with incredible strength and grace. Though rarely seen, they are known to dwell mostly in the mysterious [[Far East]] and some regions of [[the South]], particularly [[Parsanshar]]. Little is known about their culture, since they generally keep to themselves and do their best to stay out of the affairs of others, but tales say that they seldom war with one another, and are proud to have achieved a higher level of mutual understanding than either other beastfolk or [[men]].
===Appearance===
Bearing many features of the mightiest and most majestic animals in all of Midgard, the tiger-folk are all too aware of their intimidating appearance. Most have yellow or orange fur with dark stripes, but a few are white, much like their tiger kin. Very rarely, one might be born with a "golden" fur pattern, with deep yellow fur, orange stripes, and white on their arms and belly. Like most felesians, their eyes are nearly always yellow, orange, or golden, but they may also have blue or green eyes.
===Culture===
Very little is known about the culture of the tiger-folk, and the intricacies of their society and ruling individuals remains largely unknown. In spite of their incredibly fearsome appearance, it seems their culture teaches to live and let live. This belief - remarkably - stretches to seemingly all creatures. Wars between two tribes of tiger-folk are unheard of, for they do not believe that violence solves their problems, and they will always offer support and an exchange of gifts and understanding before bloodshed. Toward Men and other types of beastfolk, however, tiger-folk are largely unwelcoming. They usually avoid all contact or try to intimidate intruders off their territory. If a tribe believes its territory to be threatened, tiger-folk respond with intimidation first and violence second. In spite of their generally peace-keeping ways, tiger-folk have long memories and a tendency to hold grudges, and they seem to consider Men among the worst of all creatures. They have a strong sense of justice, and if wronged, will not relent until they feel the offender has paid for his or her crimes. The gods worshiped by the tiger-folk remain unknown.

===Military===
Tiger felesians have never been known to field an actual army, but every member of their tribe is expected to know how to fight, and to protect the young and elderly if the tribe is threatened. Though they have been known to use weapons, they certainly do not need arms or armor. Masters of stealth and ambush, they can trap invaders deep in their home terrain and then attack them unawares, tearing them apart with their immense strength, using their bare claws and fangs.

==Lion-folk==
Perhaps the most common and well-known of the felesian races, prides of lion-folk can be found from the deepest reaches of [[The South|the South]] all the way into some parts of the [[Achaean Empire]]. Though still fairly primitive in the eyes of Men, lion felesians are slightly closer to human culture in that they have taken more interest in technology and material riches than many other beastfolk. Men often say lions are a symbol of nobility, which, of course, is hardly true; in the case of lion-folk, their level of nobility is similar to Men in that it varies widely from ruler to ruler.
===Appearance===
The fur of lion-folk is nearly always tawny golden-brown, though they may range into slightly darker shades; on rare occasion, their fur may even be stark white. Their eyes are most commonly some shade of yellow, gold, or orange, but green and blue eyes are not unheard of. Like lions, the males bear large manes, while the females do not.

===Culture===
The lion-folk are considered by Men to be some of the most culturally developed beastfolk, alongside [[Minotaurs]]. Ironically, this also means that their culture has far more backstabbing politics than many other beastfolk. Lion-folk societies are governed by one ruling male, who holds the title of King. However, queens may come and go, and females often vie for the position, leading to an entire branch of political schemes that are female-only. To usurp a king is a much more complicated and risky undertaking, since there are usually few males in a pride.

The pantheon worshiped by lion-folk consists of three major deities, which are also worshiped by some cultures of Men in the South: [[Sekhmet]], [[Bast]], and [[Maahes]]. In their culture, Bast is depicted with the head of a lioness, like Sekhmet; they claim this is an older and more accurate depiction of the goddess, before her appearance was corrupted by Men. Sekhmet is their primary goddess, a deity of the sun and hunting, among other things; Bast is the goddess of fertility and health; and Maahes is the god of war and weather. Unlike many other beastfolk, their villages are often made at least partially of stone, and they build grand temples to their gods - and even grander, more decorated palaces that house the royal family. The royal family themselves dress vainly in gold and jewels.

===Military===
Opposite from human military, which employs males almost exclusively, both the military and hunters of lion-folk consist almost entirely of females. Though they still employ mostly light armor in order to take full advantage of their dexterity, lion-folk wear more armor compared to other beastfolk. While their hunters generally wear just enough clothing to remain decent, in order to better blend in with their environment and retain freedom of movement, the true military forces of lion-folk wear a wide range of protection, from brigandine to chain and plate. They forge weapons of steel and employ a variety of military units, such as spearmen, swordsmen, and archers. When it comes to a pitched battle, they have been known to defeat enemy forces much larger in number, thanks to their great strength, agility, and sense of tribal discipline.
==Lynx-folk==
Found up and down Midgard, hidden away deep in the wilderness, the lynx-folk range from the coldest reaches of [[Northrim]] into some portions of the Achaean Empire (particularly the Northwest), the Far East, and concentrated near the [[Jagged Edge]]. The South remains one of the few locations in which lynx-folk cannot be found.
===Appearance===
Although still larger or the same size as the tallest of Men, lynx-folk are smaller than many of their enormous felesian kin. There are a few variations among lynx-folk, with felesians bearing thicker fur, larger paws, and shorter tails living near the frozen coasts of Northrim and even on many northern islands at sea. Their eyes are usually yellow, golden, or orange, but green and blue eyes are far more common among lynx-folk than many other felesian races, with blue being nearly as common as yellow.
===Culture===
Lynx-folk are not a very unified people, and they tend to live in very small, secluded groups far beyond the reach or concern of Men. Generally, they build only enough shelter as is needed by their small communities, and many families and small tribes of lynx-folk will take up a nomadic lifestyle. Though their deities vary widely from tribe to tribe, more often than not, lynx-folk worship spirits of nature in lieu of specific deities. In general, lynx-folk live simple lives and have a simple pecking order, particularly since most "tribes" are really just families. Most lynx-folk merely want to be left alone.
===Military===
As they are not a very unified culture, lynx-folk have no specific military or method of fighting. However, they are masterful hunters, and if pushed into combat, they will use cunning, stealth, and traps before outright battle - though they are nonetheless certainly a force to be reckoned with in honest combat. Also, as they are nomadic, if an enemy appears and threatens them, they are not above simply retreating into the shadows and creating a new home somewhere else.

==Cheetah-folk==
Living almost exclusively in the South, cheetah-folk present a fairly unique case among felesians in that they are often willing to make alliances with other beastfolk in order to strengthen their tribes. Cheetah-folk are some of the fastest runners in all of Midgard, and certainly the fastest among humanoid creatures. Even one small tribe of these felesians is desirable to any alliance.
===Appearance===
When compared to the lion-folk with whom they sometimes ally themselves, the cheetah-folk are much leaner, with slimmer bodies and leaner muscles. Like their animal kin, they have tawny hides covered in black spots - and, occasionally, black stripes running down their backs - and long tails. Interestingly, cheetah-folk are the only felesians who cannot fully retract their claws. As with most felesians, their eyes are most often yellow or orange, though occasionally blue and green eyes may be found. The royal families of many tribes will include individuals with bright blue eyes and black stripes down their backs in addition to spots, both of which are said to be signs of noble blood, particularly among males. Generally, males with these attributes are members of a higher class, as these same attributes were attested to an ancient king of cheetah-folk who was said to be the greatest of all their kind.
===Culture===
The culture of cheetah-folk is fairly simple: they live in small tribes with closely-knit families, building small villages under the ruling hand of a mighty Queen. In direct contrast to lion-folk royalty, among the cheetah-folk, a ruling Queen passes her title down to her eldest daughter, while kings come and go and vie for their status. Though generally governed by a leading female, males are not seen as lesser, and both genders participate actively in all aspects of a tribal community, regardless of their social status. Though more than capable of fending for themselves and living on their own, cheetah-folk are cunning politicians, using alliances with other beastfolk to their advantage. They generally worship spirits of nature, but in spite of the queens often bearing more power than the king in their current society, they also revere an ancient king of their people. This king's name has supposedly been long forgotten. He is now usually referred to simply as the Great King, and he has been elevated to a god of many things, including the sky. He is always depicted as a strong cheetah felesian with sky-blue eyes and black stripes down his back.

===Military===
As mentioned, cheetah-folk often ally themselves with other tribes of beastmen, whether they are fellow felesians such as lion-folk, or even [[Hyetzu|hyetzi]] or some other Southern-dwelling race of beastman. Lone tribes of cheetah-folk are not uncommon, of course, and they remain a deadly force. Employing archers and light infantry of both male and female gender, the military of cheetah felesians is adept at moving quickly, striking hard, and using evasive tactics to wear down even the strongest and most well-armored of foes. In terms of physical prowess, cheetah-folk remain stronger than Men thanks to their animalistic power, but they are weaker than many other Southern beastfolk - particularly the large lion felesians. What they lack in strength, however, they more than double in speed and agility, which they exploit to the utmost advantage.

[[Category:Monsters]][[Category:Beastfolk]]

Beetle-man

2025-07-20T05:41:43Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

[[File:Beetle-man.png|thumb|300px|]]Beetle-men are beetle [[Beastfolk|beastfolk]] that are much larger than their name may imply; in fact, they are among the largest subterranean beastfolk. They typically dwell in caves or most anywhere underground, such as old ruins and tombs. The majority of their kind dwell in [[Nidavellir]].
==Appearance==
Huge, hulking, and mostly covered by a thick, armor shell, beetle-folk are very imposing. Their torso, arms, and clawed hands are humanoid in shape, and they have a human mouth concealed behind insectoid mouthparts, which allows them to speak and eat like [[Men|men]] and other beastfolk do. Otherwise, they have the huge jaws, eyes, shell, and legs of a beetle, and their arms look somewhat thin - though they are far stronger than most other races, and certainly much mightier than any man. Unlike some beastfolk, they do not possess multiple pairs of arms or legs like their insect counterparts.
===Coloration===
The color of the eyes and shell of beetle-folk varies widely, and both can bear many colorful patterns or no pattern at all. They range in hue from bright reds, blues, greens, yellows, purples, pinks, oranges, and more, though they also come in much duller shades, such as black, brown, and grey. The variety of color and patterns of beetle-folk seems nigh upon endless.
==Culture==
Beetle-men generally do not have much of a society; they often live alone or with a mate. They do, however, take special care of their children, which are frequently born in multiples. They are territorial, and for this reason, other underground races often make note of where beetle-folk dwell and purposefully avoid their region of a cave complex. Beetle-folk are excellent diggers, and they can tunnel with such natural skill that they make even [[Dvergar|dwarves]] and [[Svartalfar|dark elves]] envious. If they have a more advanced culture, it remains largely unknown, as the beetle-folk do not take kindly to trespassers, and they show little or no outward signs of being "civilized," since they require no clothing or armor. They are not inherently hostile, like most beastfolk, and the majority of them simply want to be left alone.

[[Category:Monsters]][[Category:Beastfolk]]

Siren

2025-07-20T05:40:55Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

[[File:Siren.jpg|thumb|400px|]]Sirens are [[beastfolk]] with the head, body, and hands of a human, but the legs, tail, and winged arms of a bird. Thought to be related to songbirds, they have voices so beautiful that their songs can mystify other creatures into a hypnotic daze.
==Appearance==
Sirens are often confused for various other creatures, including [[Harpy|harpies]], for their appearance and their song, respectively. Sirens have feathered, bird-like legs, tails, and winged arms, but the rest of their body - namely their torso and head - are human. Their feathers come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, including shades of brown, grey, white, and black, as well as bright reds, blues, and golds, sometimes solid-colored or sometimes in various patterns. Their hair color often matches their feathers, so their hair is frequently a bright color as well.
==Culture==
Sirens often dwell by the sea and on remote islands. Using their songs, sirens can charm other beings into a stupor. They make liberal use of this ability in order to defend their homeland, but sometimes it occurs without them even meaning to, as they often sing to each other, or even alone, as a part of their culture. Like most creatures and especially most beastfolk, they simply want to be left alone. Though most now live on islands at sea, some dwell high in the mountains or deep within forests in many different lands.

[[Category:Monsters]][[Category:Beastfolk]]

Siren

2025-07-20T05:40:43Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

Venatori

2025-07-20T05:39:19Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

[[File:Emblem_venatori.png|thumb]]
The Venatori are an ancient order of the [[Achaean Empire]] dedicated to protecting the civilized world against [[:Category:Monsters|monsters]].

Their name comes from the High Imperial word for "hunter," ''venator''. The plural form in High Imperial is v''enatori'', which is the official name for the order, but many common folk merely refer to them as "venators."
==History==
Despite their extremely long history, most Venatori are unlettered, passing along their knowledge verbally to the next generation of Venatori. They have an extensive library of bestiaries and other monster lorebooks in their headquaters at [[Castle Greywatch]], although only a few Venators are educated enough to read them.

During the golden age of the Venatori, when monsters threatened Achaea on all sides, the young sons of Imperial nobles would join the Venatori for glory and honor. Today, with monsters so scarce that some comfortable Imperial citizens even doubt the truth of their existence, the order has declined considerably in respect. The Achaean kings send them precious little funding, their castles have fallen into decay, and most of their members are desperate men and women with nowhere else to turn for food and shelter. As a result, they are more open to hiring disgraced men and women, and elves and dwarves, than other organizations, yet still they stick to their old ways and follow their ancient code.
==Code==
The Venatori follow a code with several tenets:
*We hunt those who hunt the innocent. Our prey are the monsters who seek the blood of men.
*A man who is half beast is no longer a man. He is a monster and cannot be trusted.
*Listen to the wisdom of the elder Venatori, and pass it on.
*Be prepared for anything, but never hunt alone.
*Ask not for tribute from those we protect, but accept gifts when they are offered.
Their motto is "The hunt never ends."
==Gear and Methods==
The Venatori have no standard uniform except for a deep blue cloak, which is usually worn only during meetings and ceremonies. Their symbol - a silver arrowhead, sometimes engraved with a letter V or a wolf's head - is usually worn as a belt buckle or, more commonly, a brooch.

Other than these items, each venator equips himself or herself with whatever armor and weaponry they prefer. Most favor armor that is well-camouflaged and permits freedom of movement, for the best way to avoid being killed by a monster is to avoid being seen or hit. Some wealthier venators may be able to afford coats of [[Deepsilver|deepsilver]] mail, which was standard equipment during the order's more prosperous days. Ranged weapons are always favored over melee, because most monsters are far stronger and faster than men, and it is best not to let them get close.

Venatori rely on specialized equipment for each hunt, depending on the monster they seek to kill. This equipment nearly always includes a variety of potions, and alchemy is a valuable skill among the Venatori. They may carry potions to improve their strength and their senses to be a better match for the monsters they hunt, potions to help heal wounds and cure poisons, and even rare potions that can help resist or prevent [[lycanthropy]] if they are imbibed quickly enough after infection. Since they frequently hunt [[beastfolk]] and [[werewolves]], they typically carry a silver dagger at all times, and often silver-headed arrows as well.

Venatori are taught never to hunt alone, for a lone man is easy prey. Most patrol the Empire in pairs, sometimes traveling together for months at a time through remote territory before ever returning to one of their strongholds. When informed of a monster threat, it is their duty to investigate and respond. The Venatori sometimes refuse jobs, such as if the monster in question is not directly threatening a village or is easy enough for the villagers themselves to handle. Their code only requires them to respond to threats to Imperial lives, but if this seems to require venturing into the wilderness to destroy a den of monsters in force, they will organize a group hunt and see it done. However, Venatori do not actively seek monsters to hunt. They only respond when the monsters threaten innocent lives, and - more often than not - the Venatori do their best to seek some kind of peaceful solution, preferably one that benefits both the monsters and the humans in question. The Venatori have no desire to start a fight with one or more monsters if it can possibly be avoided.

Most jobs require no more than two Venatori, but if a Venator dies on the hunt, his brethren will travel to finish what he started and recover his body if possible. It is a hard life, and few would choose to lead it. Yet the Venatori never forcibly recruit or advertise; they wait for volunteers to join them. Because of this, their numbers are few. There are probably only a few hundred Venatori in the entire Empire.

[[Category:Factions]]
[[Category:Achaean Orders]]

Venatori

2025-06-28T21:55:25Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

[[File:Emblem_venatori.png|thumb]]
The Venatori are an ancient order of the [[Achaean Empire]] dedicated to protecting the civilized world against [[:Category:Monsters|monsters]].

Their name comes from the High Imperial word for "hunter," ''venator''. The plural form in High Imperial is v''enatori'', which is the official name for the order, but many common folk merely refer to them as "venators."
==History==
Despite their extremely long history, most Venatori are unlettered, passing along their knowledge verbally to the next generation of Venatori. Because of this, the group's knowledge of the days of the Shifter has been lost to time, passed down only as vague myths. They have an extensive library of bestiaries and other monster lorebooks in their headquaters at [[Castle Greywatch]], although only a few Venators are educated enough to read them.

During the golden age of the Venatori, when monsters threatened Achaea on all sides, the young sons of Imperial nobles would join the Venatori for glory and honor. Today, with monsters so scarce that some comfortable Imperial citizens even doubt the truth of their existence, the order has declined considerably in respect. The Achaean kings send them precious little funding, their castles have fallen into decay, and most of their members are desperate men and women with nowhere else to turn for food and shelter. As a result, they are more open to hiring disgraced men and women, and elves and dwarves, than other organizations, yet still they stick to their old ways and follow their ancient code.
==Code==
The Venatori follow a code with several tenets:
*We hunt those who hunt the innocent. Our prey are the monsters who seek the blood of men.
*A man who is half beast is no longer a man. He is a monster and cannot be trusted.
*Listen to the wisdom of the elder Venatori, and pass it on.
*Be prepared for anything, but never hunt alone.
*Ask not for tribute from those we protect, but accept gifts when they are offered.
Their motto is "The hunt never ends."
==Gear and Methods==
The Venatori have no standard uniform except for a deep blue cloak, which is usually worn only during meetings and ceremonies. Their symbol - a silver arrowhead, sometimes engraved with a letter V or a wolf's head - is usually worn as a belt buckle or, more commonly, a brooch.

Other than these items, each venator equips himself or herself with whatever armor and weaponry they prefer. Most favor armor that is well-camouflaged and permits freedom of movement, for the best way to avoid being killed by a monster is to avoid being seen or hit. Some wealthier venators may be able to afford coats of [[Deepsilver|deepsilver]] mail, which was standard equipment during the order's more prosperous days. Ranged weapons are always favored over melee, because most monsters are far stronger and faster than men, and it is best not to let them get close.

Venatori rely on specialized equipment for each hunt, depending on the monster they seek to kill. This equipment nearly always includes a variety of potions, and alchemy is a valuable skill among the Venatori. They may carry potions to improve their strength and their senses to be a better match for the monsters they hunt, potions to help heal wounds and cure poisons, and even rare potions that can help resist or prevent [[lycanthropy]] if they are imbibed quickly enough after infection. Since they frequently hunt [[beastfolk]] and [[werewolves]], they typically carry a silver dagger at all times, and often silver-headed arrows as well.

Venatori are taught never to hunt alone, for a lone man is easy prey. Most patrol the Empire in pairs, sometimes traveling together for months at a time through remote territory before ever returning to one of their strongholds. When informed of a monster threat, it is their duty to investigate and respond. The Venatori sometimes refuse jobs, such as if the monster in question is not directly threatening a village or is easy enough for the villagers themselves to handle. Their code only requires them to respond to threats to Imperial lives, but if this seems to require venturing into the wilderness to destroy a den of monsters in force, they will organize a group hunt and see it done. However, Venatori do not actively seek monsters to hunt. They only respond when the monsters threaten innocent lives, and - more often than not - the Venatori do their best to seek some kind of peaceful solution, preferably one that benefits both the monsters and the humans in question. The Venatori have no desire to start a fight with one or more monsters if it can possibly be avoided.

Most jobs require no more than two Venatori, but if a Venator dies on the hunt, his brethren will travel to finish what he started and recover his body if possible. It is a hard life, and few would choose to lead it. Yet the Venatori never forcibly recruit or advertise; they wait for volunteers to join them. Because of this, their numbers are few. There are probably only a few hundred Venatori in the entire Empire.

[[Category:Factions]]
[[Category:Achaean Orders]]

Virmen

2025-05-26T02:08:08Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

Virmen, also called the Stricken or Infestati, are hideous, rat-like monsters. They originate from an ancient plague, often considered a form of [[curse]], that can afflict [[Men]] and [[Dvergar|Dwarves]] ([[Alfar|Elves]] are unaffected). The process is slow, painful, and revolting, and the victims nearly always go mad, becoming violent and spreading their terrible disease.

==Names==
Both the plague itself and its victims have many names. Perhaps most common name for the infected is "virmen," though the [[Venatori]] use this word only to refer to the final stage of the victim's transformation. In the [[Achaean Empire]], the diseased are also called Infestati (singular Infestatus), and in many regions, "the Stricken." These names can refer to the infected in any stage of the illness. However, ultimately, they will become creatures not unlike horrible humanoid rats.

==Disease==
The Virmen plague is one of the foulest illnesses to ever curse Midgard. How victims are infected is not well known, but it is speculated to be spread through bad air, especially the air of sewers. For this reason, practitioners of [[Elements|elemental]] medicine believe it to be related to the Earth humor, curable by exposure to purified air. Some also believe it is related to water and can be spread through contact with fluids of the infected, including blood and saliva. Food and drink can also become infected by the cursed disease.

===Stages & Appearance===
The initial signs of infection include sores and scabs on the flesh, discolored skin, and bloodshot eyes. Some Venatori believe victims become more sensitive to light, sound, and smells. Some also mention victims starting to emit a terrible body odor, described variably as decaying flesh, filth, and general rot.

As the infection continues, the victim will experience more profound physical changes. Their limbs will grow longer, wiry but powerful muscle will develop, and teeth and nails will become longer and thicker. The individual's features steadily become more bestial and hideous. Patches of flesh have been observed to slough away, leaving behind mangy, thin, and stiff fur of various ugly colorations. Eventually, after much pain and suffering, the victim loses their humanity and becomes a monster.

The final form is what is referred to properly as a true Virmen. They are always taller than a man and very lanky, with a rat-like head, tail, and feet. Their eyes grow pale and sensitive to light, shining red when illuminated. At this point, any semblance of sanity that the infected may have managed to retain throughout the illness typically disappears, leaving them little more than mad beasts.

==Behavior & Nature==
Virmen nearly always lose their minds over the course of their illness, driven to bestial insanity. Many go mad before the illness has fully turned them into their most monstrous form, but nearly all are lost by the end. They become simpleminded, consumed by hunger, a compulsion to steal and collect shiny objects such as gold, and a sick desire to spread their plague.

Virmen generally live in groups, which grow larger as they spread their disease and expand the colony. They hate light and dwell in darkness, often hiding in sewers in cities or cave systems in the wilderness. Abandoned mines are also a favorite hideaway of these beasts. At night, they will emerge to hunt for food and steal treasure, which they hoard in their filthy abodes; they have a preference for anything that twinkles or shines, such as gold and jewels.

The Venatori note that it is not unusual for virmen to display a disturbing level of almost human-level intelligence when stalking their victims. They seem able to communicate with each other in some unknown way, and they can sense or smell when someone is infected. A stricken individual, even one who does not yet display symptoms, may walk undisturbed among the virmen, so long as they show no signs of hostility. Some Venatori even claim that a few virmen can speak broken words in their original human languages. Still, due to the danger posed by their disease, it is Venator policy to kill virmen on sight and exterminate their nests.

==Weaknesses==
As recorded by the Venatori, virmen are extremely sensitive to [[silver]], as are many monsters, and the Venatori use this to slay them. The infected also detest and avoid light of any kind, and thus they hate fire, which hunters use to burn away the virmen and their plague. However, the virmen are remarkably unaffected by holy artifacts, which would seem to show their disease does not have a demonic origin.

==Recent History==
No current outbreaks of the virmen plague are known, but it is believed some nests of these monstrosities exist, hidden away. They are clever enough to avoid confrontation when possible, which makes them incredibly dangerous and difficult to discover. The Venatori remain in constant vigil for any signs of a plague outbreak, as once it begins, the illness and its victims are extremely difficult to contain. The possibility of a widespread epidemic of the virmen plague is something all monster hunters fear.

[[Category:Monsters]][[Category:Curses]]

Knightfall

2025-05-03T23:48:13Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

''Knightfall'' is the first novel of ''[[The Prophecy of the Six]]'', the main Wulfgard series about [[Tom Drake]]. ''Knightfall'' is written by [[Maegan A. Stebbins]] and illustrated by [[Justin R.R. Stebbins]].

First released in 2015, a revision of ''Knightfall'' was released in February 2025, replacing the original. It is available through the official Wulfgard site, maverickwerewolf.com, and Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Wulfgard-Knightfall-Prophecy-Six/dp/0972734139).

==Synopsis==
Few can match the fury of Sir Tom Drake in battle – not even a Demon of Wrath. When Tom killed just such a fiend in single combat, a feat far beyond most mortals, he became the Demon Slayer. To the people of his beloved city of Illikon, Tom is a hero. But his city swears fealty to the Achaean Empire, and to them, he is just another knight.

Enter Sir Scaevius, Left Hand of the Emperor. With war raging against a barbarian alliance massing to the North, Scaevius takes command of Illikon’s armies and orders Tom on a suicide mission. Tom obeys, but not without protest. Soon, he finds himself fighting not only barbarians, but his own superiors as well… and something else.
Something supernatural.

A monster is stalking him: a half man, half beast abomination from legend… a werewolf. It haunts his dreams and even his waking hours, and he starts to suffer blackouts, unsure what is real and what is nightmare. Hated by his superiors, hunted by beasts and assassins, Tom Drake must fight for his home, his life, and even his mind. The events that are about to unfold will change his life, and the world, forever.

[[Category:Stories]][[Category:Novels]]

The Prophecy of the Six

2025-05-03T23:45:58Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

''The Prophecy of the Six'' is the main Wulfgard series by [[Maegan A. Stebbins]], which focuses on [[Tom Drake]] and his sundry companions.
==Synopsis==
(coming soon)
==Installments==
The first installment in the series is ''[[Knightfall]]'', which released in 2015. A full revision released in February 2025.

[[Category:Stories]][[Category:Novel Series]]

Reading Order

2025-05-03T23:44:56Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

The "correct" reading order of the Wulfgard publications can get confusing. This article is here to help!

==Chronological Order==
Here are the Wulfgard stories in order according to when each one takes place in the Wulfgard [[timeline]]:

*[[The Tomb of Ankhu]]
*[[Potential Energy]] (in [[Tales of Wulfgard: Volume 1]])
*[[Speak No Evil]] (in [[Tales of Wulfgard: Volume 1]])
*[[A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing]] (in [[Tales of Wulfgard: Volume 1]])
*[[Wake Not the Sleeping Bull]] (in [[Tales of Wulfgard: Volume 1]])
*[[The Hunt Never Ends]]
*[[Hunted]] (in [[Tales of Wulfgard: Volume 1]])
*[[Into the North]]
*[[The Demon's Fang]]
*[[Knightfall]]

==Main Storylines==
These are the main storylines / series in Wulfgard.

*'''[[The Prophecy of the Six]]''' - the story of [[Tom Drake]]
**[[The Hunt Never Ends]] - Tom Drake appears in 2 stories
**[[Knightfall]] - Book 1 of the Prophecy of the Six
*'''The Waters of Eternity''' - Story of [[Stígander]] and [[Plutarch]] and their many companions.
**[[Into the North]] (ongoing)
*'''Caiden Voros''' - the story of Caiden & Gwen, Imperial monster hunters
**[[The Hunt Never Ends]]
**[[Hunted]] (in [[Tales of Wulfgard: Volume 1]])
*'''Djedar Rath''' - the story of Djedar Rath, escaped slave turned Medjai warrior
**[[The Tomb of Ankhu]]
*'''Tales of Wulfgard''' - short story collections
**[[Tales of Wulfgard: Volume 1]]
**Tales of Wulfgard: Volume 2 (not yet published)

[[Category:Stories]][[Category:Online Stories]][[Category:Novels]]

Werewolf

2025-04-05T18:26:14Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

[[File:Werewolf_Pack.png|thumb|450px|A pack of werewolves showing two of their different forms.]]

Among the most feared of all monsters are shapeshifting beasts of emptiness and desolation, their howls heard by the full moon. This horror goes by many different names, but perhaps it is best known as the werewolf or the lycanthrope: a [[Men|man]] who bears the [[curse]] of lycanthropy. Not much is known of them, and they are incredibly rare, so much of the information included here could also be taken as speculation, as the levels of their power and the unpredictability and degree of their transformations have yet to be fully understood.

This article is taken from an ancient text, ''[[Of Man-Beasts and Those That Eat Human Flesh]]'', by an unknown author.
==Names and Terms==
There exist many terms for the monstrous werewolf. Such terms, from all across the lands, include werewolf, wolf-man, lycanthrope or lykanthropos, plural lykanthropoi; this is an [[Old Achaean]] form that has mostly become "lycanthrope," from "lycanthropy," today. Other, lesser-known regional dialects use garwal or garwalf, varulfr or simply varulf, vǎrkolak, and garou. Still more terms include ''versipellis'' in [[High Imperial]], ''hamrammr'' in [[Northrim|Nordling]] tongues, and ''eigi einhamir'' also in Nordling tongues. Despite this robust variety, however, the most common and known term for these beasts across multiple regions always essentially translates to "werewolf."
==Curse & Nature==
Cursed to become a monster by the whims of the moon, or - some say - the whims of their own hunger or rage, werewolves are capable of untold slaughter. They live among men, wearing their false human skin. But when the full moon rises, they are overtaken by their true nature, and they devour all in their path. Those whom they do not maul, they often swallow whole and even alive, so desperate is their gluttony. Their hunger is impossible to sate, and they will eat in a single night as many men as they can find.

Some werewolves, it is said, can pass their curse on to others through a bite. Surviving the attack of a werewolf, however, is very unlikely. Should someone survive a werewolf’s bite, they may become a werewolf themselves on the next full moon.
==Powers & Abilities==
They have many powers in addition to their shape-changing, such as being impossible to kill and healing from all wounds. It is impossible to tell whether a man is a werewolf by merely seeing their human shape, though it is said their eyes may appear brighter than an ordinary man’s. Like many monsters, the only way to possibly kill a werewolf is with silver, one of the weakest metals. This is perhaps why werewolves seem invincible. Even with [[silver]], a mortal blow must still be struck.
==Memory & Behavior==
Some say that these man-beasts do not recall the atrocities committed while in their monstrous form. They awaken in the morning ignorant of their crimes. Thus, they continue their ordinary lives and trick those around them with their human appearance, instilling undue trust and behaving as though their soul has not been devoured and replaced by a wrathful beast. In spite of this, they are human no more, and they cannot be trusted; a werewolf will do whatever is necessary to preserve its own life, including lie. This leads to question whether the claims are true that they retain no memory of their transformations.
==Appearance & Cunning==
Werewolves are capable of many types of transformations. While they generally appear as men and behave as such, they may also gain animal features such as claws, sharp teeth, and some fur. On the full moon, they become much like wolves but with some attributes of men such as hands and arms, capable of performing actions as a man would. This is their greatest and largest form, much larger than any man and even most other monsters. Some werewolves may even take the shape of giant wolves, some the size of horses. Werewolves of all shapes may easily outrun the best of steeds. They are the fastest of beasts and never tire. They can leap city walls in a single bound, as they can jump so high one might think they had wings. They can communicate with others of their own kind without using words like men.

The eyes of werewolves are sometimes said to glow like lanterns in the night. The truthfulness of this is disputed, for they are also known for their ability to come unseen upon their prey. In spite of their size, they are capable of making hardly a sound. They leave no tracks and have no distinctive scent. It is impossible to track a werewolf. They retain the intelligence of a man even when they become beasts and are overtaken by their rage. They are the ultimate predator. They may snarl, growl, roar, or howl, but they cannot speak like a man when they are in their bestial form.
==The Six==
There are many legendary werewolves of which we still tell tales, in particular [[the Six]], also known as the Lords of the Werewolves. They are impossible to slay and have devoured legions of [[Achaean Empire|the Empire’s]] [[Venatori]]. They are capable even of using magic, able to summon fire and ice and shadow and to bend the spirits of nature to their will.
==Recent History==
[[File:Bestiary_Tom_s.png|thumb|300px|The Beast of Illikon devouring a man whole.]]
''An addition by Zacynthos of Arcadia, author and compiler of Emperor Doraius I's The Imperial Bestiary:''

Very recently, the city of [[Illikon]] came under siege by barbarians from Northrim, and one of the most heroic knights of the Northwest became a great werewolf of black and crimson. [[The Beast of Illikon]], as the monster has thus been named, decimated the attacking armies with its insatiable bloodlust. With a howl, it summoned the aid of many other werewolves and wolves, sparking transformations and thus loyalty even among the enemy, creating its own army of wolf-beasts.

Breaking the siege and escaping the city, this terrible werewolf now roams the land. Lycanthropy has once again returned to the Empire, perhaps greater than ever before. Whereas, in the past, what few werewolves remained in the world hid or fled into the wilderness, werewolves inspired by the Beast of Illikon now bravely arise to take their hunger and rage out upon innocents.

Dear reader, please do not imagine the act of hunting a werewolf. Though the Venatori are now few in number, it is a job for which only they are capable, and it will otherwise end only in death.

[[Category:Monsters]][[Category:Curses]][[Category:Wolf-kin]]

Werewolf

2025-04-05T18:24:37Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

[[File:Werewolf_Pack.png|thumb|450px|A pack of werewolves showing two of their different forms.]]

Among the most feared of all monsters are shapeshifting beasts of emptiness and desolation, their howls heard by the full moon. This horror goes by many different names, but perhaps it is best known as the werewolf or the lycanthrope: a [[Men|man]] who bears the [[curse]] of lycanthropy. Not much is known of them, and they are incredibly rare, so much of the information included here could also be taken as speculation, as the levels of their power and the unpredictability and degree of their transformations have yet to be fully understood.

This article is taken from an ancient text, ''[[Of Man-Beasts and Those That Eat Human Flesh]]'', by an unknown author.
==Names and Terms==
There exist many terms for the monstrous werewolf. Such terms, from all across the lands, include werewolf, wolf-man, lycanthrope, lykanthropos or lycanthropos, plural lykanthropoi; this is an [[Old Achaean]] form. Other, lesser-known regional dialects use garwal or garwalf, varulfr or simply varulf, vǎrkolak, and garou. Still more terms include ''versipellis'' in [[High Imperial]], ''hamrammr'' in [[Northrim|Nordling]] tongues, and ''eigi einhamir'' also in Nordling tongues. Despite this robust variety, however, the most common and known term for these beasts across multiple regions always essentially translates to "werewolf."
==Curse & Nature==
Cursed to become a monster by the whims of the moon, or - some say - the whims of their own hunger or rage, werewolves are capable of untold slaughter. They live among men, wearing their false human skin. But when the full moon rises, they are overtaken by their true nature, and they devour all in their path. Those whom they do not maul, they often swallow whole and even alive, so desperate is their gluttony. Their hunger is impossible to sate, and they will eat in a single night as many men as they can find.

Some werewolves, it is said, can pass their curse on to others through a bite. Surviving the attack of a werewolf, however, is very unlikely. Should someone survive a werewolf’s bite, they may become a werewolf themselves on the next full moon.
==Powers & Abilities==
They have many powers in addition to their shape-changing, such as being impossible to kill and healing from all wounds. It is impossible to tell whether a man is a werewolf by merely seeing their human shape, though it is said their eyes may appear brighter than an ordinary man’s. Like many monsters, the only way to possibly kill a werewolf is with silver, one of the weakest metals. This is perhaps why werewolves seem invincible. Even with [[silver]], a mortal blow must still be struck.
==Memory & Behavior==
Some say that these man-beasts do not recall the atrocities committed while in their monstrous form. They awaken in the morning ignorant of their crimes. Thus, they continue their ordinary lives and trick those around them with their human appearance, instilling undue trust and behaving as though their soul has not been devoured and replaced by a wrathful beast. In spite of this, they are human no more, and they cannot be trusted; a werewolf will do whatever is necessary to preserve its own life, including lie. This leads to question whether the claims are true that they retain no memory of their transformations.
==Appearance & Cunning==
Werewolves are capable of many types of transformations. While they generally appear as men and behave as such, they may also gain animal features such as claws, sharp teeth, and some fur. On the full moon, they become much like wolves but with some attributes of men such as hands and arms, capable of performing actions as a man would. This is their greatest and largest form, much larger than any man and even most other monsters. Some werewolves may even take the shape of giant wolves, some the size of horses. Werewolves of all shapes may easily outrun the best of steeds. They are the fastest of beasts and never tire. They can leap city walls in a single bound, as they can jump so high one might think they had wings. They can communicate with others of their own kind without using words like men.

The eyes of werewolves are sometimes said to glow like lanterns in the night. The truthfulness of this is disputed, for they are also known for their ability to come unseen upon their prey. In spite of their size, they are capable of making hardly a sound. They leave no tracks and have no distinctive scent. It is impossible to track a werewolf. They retain the intelligence of a man even when they become beasts and are overtaken by their rage. They are the ultimate predator. They may snarl, growl, roar, or howl, but they cannot speak like a man when they are in their bestial form.
==The Six==
There are many legendary werewolves of which we still tell tales, in particular [[the Six]], also known as the Lords of the Werewolves. They are impossible to slay and have devoured legions of [[Achaean Empire|the Empire’s]] [[Venatori]]. They are capable even of using magic, able to summon fire and ice and shadow and to bend the spirits of nature to their will.
==Recent History==
[[File:Bestiary_Tom_s.png|thumb|300px|The Beast of Illikon devouring a man whole.]]
''An addition by Zacynthos of Arcadia, author and compiler of Emperor Doraius I's The Imperial Bestiary:''

Very recently, the city of [[Illikon]] came under siege by barbarians from Northrim, and one of the most heroic knights of the Northwest became a great werewolf of black and crimson. [[The Beast of Illikon]], as the monster has thus been named, decimated the attacking armies with its insatiable bloodlust. With a howl, it summoned the aid of many other werewolves and wolves, sparking transformations and thus loyalty even among the enemy, creating its own army of wolf-beasts.

Breaking the siege and escaping the city, this terrible werewolf now roams the land. Lycanthropy has once again returned to the Empire, perhaps greater than ever before. Whereas, in the past, what few werewolves remained in the world hid or fled into the wilderness, werewolves inspired by the Beast of Illikon now bravely arise to take their hunger and rage out upon innocents.

Dear reader, please do not imagine the act of hunting a werewolf. Though the Venatori are now few in number, it is a job for which only they are capable, and it will otherwise end only in death.

[[Category:Monsters]][[Category:Curses]][[Category:Wolf-kin]]

Werewolf

2025-04-05T18:24:12Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

[[File:Werewolf_Pack.png|thumb|450px|A pack of werewolves showing two of their different forms.]]

Among the most feared of all monsters are shapeshifting beasts of emptiness and desolation, their howls heard by the full moon. This horror goes by many different names, but perhaps it is best known as the werewolf or the lycanthrope: a [[Men|man]] who bears the [[curse]] of lycanthropy. Not much is known of them, and they are incredibly rare, so much of the information included here could also be taken as speculation, as the levels of their power and the unpredictability and degree of their transformations have yet to be fully understood.

This article is taken from an ancient text, ''[[Of Man-Beasts and Those That Eat Human Flesh]]'', by an unknown author.
==Names and Terms==
There exist many terms for the monstrous werewolf. Such terms, from all across the lands, include werewolf, wolf-man, lycanthrope, lykanthropos or lycanthropos, plural lykanthropoi; this is an [[Old Achaean]] form. Other, lesser-known regional dialects use garwal or garwalf, varulfr or simply varulf, vǎrkolak, and garou. Still more terms include ''versipellis'' in [[High Imperial]], ''hamrammr'' in [[Northrim|Nordling]] tongues, and ''eigi einhamir'' also in Nordling tongues. Even so, the most common and known across multiple regions always essentially translates to "werewolf."
==Curse & Nature==
Cursed to become a monster by the whims of the moon, or - some say - the whims of their own hunger or rage, werewolves are capable of untold slaughter. They live among men, wearing their false human skin. But when the full moon rises, they are overtaken by their true nature, and they devour all in their path. Those whom they do not maul, they often swallow whole and even alive, so desperate is their gluttony. Their hunger is impossible to sate, and they will eat in a single night as many men as they can find.

Some werewolves, it is said, can pass their curse on to others through a bite. Surviving the attack of a werewolf, however, is very unlikely. Should someone survive a werewolf’s bite, they may become a werewolf themselves on the next full moon.
==Powers & Abilities==
They have many powers in addition to their shape-changing, such as being impossible to kill and healing from all wounds. It is impossible to tell whether a man is a werewolf by merely seeing their human shape, though it is said their eyes may appear brighter than an ordinary man’s. Like many monsters, the only way to possibly kill a werewolf is with silver, one of the weakest metals. This is perhaps why werewolves seem invincible. Even with [[silver]], a mortal blow must still be struck.
==Memory & Behavior==
Some say that these man-beasts do not recall the atrocities committed while in their monstrous form. They awaken in the morning ignorant of their crimes. Thus, they continue their ordinary lives and trick those around them with their human appearance, instilling undue trust and behaving as though their soul has not been devoured and replaced by a wrathful beast. In spite of this, they are human no more, and they cannot be trusted; a werewolf will do whatever is necessary to preserve its own life, including lie. This leads to question whether the claims are true that they retain no memory of their transformations.
==Appearance & Cunning==
Werewolves are capable of many types of transformations. While they generally appear as men and behave as such, they may also gain animal features such as claws, sharp teeth, and some fur. On the full moon, they become much like wolves but with some attributes of men such as hands and arms, capable of performing actions as a man would. This is their greatest and largest form, much larger than any man and even most other monsters. Some werewolves may even take the shape of giant wolves, some the size of horses. Werewolves of all shapes may easily outrun the best of steeds. They are the fastest of beasts and never tire. They can leap city walls in a single bound, as they can jump so high one might think they had wings. They can communicate with others of their own kind without using words like men.

The eyes of werewolves are sometimes said to glow like lanterns in the night. The truthfulness of this is disputed, for they are also known for their ability to come unseen upon their prey. In spite of their size, they are capable of making hardly a sound. They leave no tracks and have no distinctive scent. It is impossible to track a werewolf. They retain the intelligence of a man even when they become beasts and are overtaken by their rage. They are the ultimate predator. They may snarl, growl, roar, or howl, but they cannot speak like a man when they are in their bestial form.
==The Six==
There are many legendary werewolves of which we still tell tales, in particular [[the Six]], also known as the Lords of the Werewolves. They are impossible to slay and have devoured legions of [[Achaean Empire|the Empire’s]] [[Venatori]]. They are capable even of using magic, able to summon fire and ice and shadow and to bend the spirits of nature to their will.
==Recent History==
[[File:Bestiary_Tom_s.png|thumb|300px|The Beast of Illikon devouring a man whole.]]
''An addition by Zacynthos of Arcadia, author and compiler of Emperor Doraius I's The Imperial Bestiary:''

Very recently, the city of [[Illikon]] came under siege by barbarians from Northrim, and one of the most heroic knights of the Northwest became a great werewolf of black and crimson. [[The Beast of Illikon]], as the monster has thus been named, decimated the attacking armies with its insatiable bloodlust. With a howl, it summoned the aid of many other werewolves and wolves, sparking transformations and thus loyalty even among the enemy, creating its own army of wolf-beasts.

Breaking the siege and escaping the city, this terrible werewolf now roams the land. Lycanthropy has once again returned to the Empire, perhaps greater than ever before. Whereas, in the past, what few werewolves remained in the world hid or fled into the wilderness, werewolves inspired by the Beast of Illikon now bravely arise to take their hunger and rage out upon innocents.

Dear reader, please do not imagine the act of hunting a werewolf. Though the Venatori are now few in number, it is a job for which only they are capable, and it will otherwise end only in death.

[[Category:Monsters]][[Category:Curses]][[Category:Wolf-kin]]

Werewolf

2025-04-05T18:23:17Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

[[File:Werewolf_Pack.png|thumb|450px|A pack of werewolves showing two of their different forms.]]

Among the most feared of all monsters are shapeshifting beasts of emptiness and desolation, their howls heard by the full moon. This horror goes by many different names, but perhaps it is best known as the werewolf or the lycanthrope: a [[Men|man]] who bears the [[curse]] of lycanthropy. Not much is known of them, and they are incredibly rare, so much of the information included here could also be taken as speculation, as the levels of their power and the unpredictability and degree of their transformations have yet to be fully understood.

This article is taken from an ancient text, ''[[Of Man-Beasts and Those That Eat Human Flesh]]'', by an unknown author.
==Names and Terms==
There exist many terms for the monstrous werewolf. Such terms, from all across the lands, include werewolf, wolf-man, lycanthrope, lykanthropos or lycanthropos, plural lykanthropoi; this is an [[Old Achaean]] form, garwal or garwalf, varulfr or simply varulf, vǎrkolak, and garou. Although some may have previously been used to refer to a variety of shapeshifters, some terms now refer only to werewolves today, such as ''versipellis'' in [[High Imperial]], ''hamrammr'' in [[Northrim|Nordling]] tongues, and ''eigi einhamir'' also in Nordling tongues. Even so, the most common and known across multiple regions always essentially translates to "werewolf."
==Curse & Nature==
Cursed to become a monster by the whims of the moon, or - some say - the whims of their own hunger or rage, werewolves are capable of untold slaughter. They live among men, wearing their false human skin. But when the full moon rises, they are overtaken by their true nature, and they devour all in their path. Those whom they do not maul, they often swallow whole and even alive, so desperate is their gluttony. Their hunger is impossible to sate, and they will eat in a single night as many men as they can find.

Some werewolves, it is said, can pass their curse on to others through a bite. Surviving the attack of a werewolf, however, is very unlikely. Should someone survive a werewolf’s bite, they may become a werewolf themselves on the next full moon.
==Powers & Abilities==
They have many powers in addition to their shape-changing, such as being impossible to kill and healing from all wounds. It is impossible to tell whether a man is a werewolf by merely seeing their human shape, though it is said their eyes may appear brighter than an ordinary man’s. Like many monsters, the only way to possibly kill a werewolf is with silver, one of the weakest metals. This is perhaps why werewolves seem invincible. Even with [[silver]], a mortal blow must still be struck.
==Memory & Behavior==
Some say that these man-beasts do not recall the atrocities committed while in their monstrous form. They awaken in the morning ignorant of their crimes. Thus, they continue their ordinary lives and trick those around them with their human appearance, instilling undue trust and behaving as though their soul has not been devoured and replaced by a wrathful beast. In spite of this, they are human no more, and they cannot be trusted; a werewolf will do whatever is necessary to preserve its own life, including lie. This leads to question whether the claims are true that they retain no memory of their transformations.
==Appearance & Cunning==
Werewolves are capable of many types of transformations. While they generally appear as men and behave as such, they may also gain animal features such as claws, sharp teeth, and some fur. On the full moon, they become much like wolves but with some attributes of men such as hands and arms, capable of performing actions as a man would. This is their greatest and largest form, much larger than any man and even most other monsters. Some werewolves may even take the shape of giant wolves, some the size of horses. Werewolves of all shapes may easily outrun the best of steeds. They are the fastest of beasts and never tire. They can leap city walls in a single bound, as they can jump so high one might think they had wings. They can communicate with others of their own kind without using words like men.

The eyes of werewolves are sometimes said to glow like lanterns in the night. The truthfulness of this is disputed, for they are also known for their ability to come unseen upon their prey. In spite of their size, they are capable of making hardly a sound. They leave no tracks and have no distinctive scent. It is impossible to track a werewolf. They retain the intelligence of a man even when they become beasts and are overtaken by their rage. They are the ultimate predator. They may snarl, growl, roar, or howl, but they cannot speak like a man when they are in their bestial form.
==The Six==
There are many legendary werewolves of which we still tell tales, in particular [[the Six]], also known as the Lords of the Werewolves. They are impossible to slay and have devoured legions of [[Achaean Empire|the Empire’s]] [[Venatori]]. They are capable even of using magic, able to summon fire and ice and shadow and to bend the spirits of nature to their will.
==Recent History==
[[File:Bestiary_Tom_s.png|thumb|300px|The Beast of Illikon devouring a man whole.]]
''An addition by Zacynthos of Arcadia, author and compiler of Emperor Doraius I's The Imperial Bestiary:''

Very recently, the city of [[Illikon]] came under siege by barbarians from Northrim, and one of the most heroic knights of the Northwest became a great werewolf of black and crimson. [[The Beast of Illikon]], as the monster has thus been named, decimated the attacking armies with its insatiable bloodlust. With a howl, it summoned the aid of many other werewolves and wolves, sparking transformations and thus loyalty even among the enemy, creating its own army of wolf-beasts.

Breaking the siege and escaping the city, this terrible werewolf now roams the land. Lycanthropy has once again returned to the Empire, perhaps greater than ever before. Whereas, in the past, what few werewolves remained in the world hid or fled into the wilderness, werewolves inspired by the Beast of Illikon now bravely arise to take their hunger and rage out upon innocents.

Dear reader, please do not imagine the act of hunting a werewolf. Though the Venatori are now few in number, it is a job for which only they are capable, and it will otherwise end only in death.

[[Category:Monsters]][[Category:Curses]][[Category:Wolf-kin]]

The Six

2025-01-07T01:41:32Z

Maverick-Werewolf: /* The Bloodwolf */

[[File:Portrait whitewolf.png|thumb|250px|The Whitewolf, as he is sometimes said to appear.]]
The Six are the mysterious, powerful Lords of the [[Werewolf|Werewolves]] spoken of frequently in tales. They go by many different names. They are the largest and strongest of their kind. They are said to be among the most powerful beings in the mortal realm.

The following article is composed of excerpts from the ancient text ''[[Of Man-Beasts and Those That Eat Human Flesh]]'', by an unknown author.

==Nature==
The Six are some of the most mysterious, cursed beings of evil that walk the [[Midgard|mortal realm]]. They are werewolves, each of a different color and of different natures. Whatever one may believe about them, there remains a constant theme in tales throughout all history in all lands of werewolves bearing these particular colorations. The Six are said to be immortal or to pass their powers on at death, for they must always exist, though no one knows why that would be the case. Some of those infected with the curse of lycanthropy have taken to venerating the Six. However, most folk today barely acknowledge the existence of the Six or simply do not know about them at all. Some say the Six do not actually exist and they are only fairytales and allegories told for other purposes, that werewolves of these particular colors and appearances are coincidental and may refer to any variety of various large, powerful werewolves.

==Power==
The Six bear power beyond mortal understanding. They have always existed and perhaps they always will. Whether they are like all werewolves and are cursed to change shape remains unknown, for they have only ever been known in legend to appear in their monster forms. Some say they have no human form, cursed always to walk as man-wolves. Some call them the archwerewolves. They bear many other monikers, as well, such as Lords of the Night. Legends tell of how a howl from one of the Six will summon to them all werewolves and wolves and other wolflike beings across half a realm or more, compelling them into the form of beasts to fight alongside the Werewolf Lord, their will as powerful as that of the full moon. Even [[Warg|wargs]] answer such a call.

The Six possess power over magic itself. Through direct eye contact, they stir unimaginable fear into one's soul. This fear cannot be resisted, like black magic. These beings of darkness can even steal souls through direct eye contact, as well as voices, causing one to fall entirely mute. Many legends tell of each of the Six having different magical powers, such as the ability to summon ice or shadow, and tales of the most violent of their number speak of an endless need for murder and butchery and to devour the flesh of mortals.

==Members of the Six==
Though the Six bear almost countless different names, both together and individually, they will be referred to here by the simplest of these monikers.

===The Whitewolf===
The Whitewolf has the fewest names among the Six, despite being one of the most commonly depicted. He is said to be a white werewolf with black claws and pale blue eyes. He wears an armband of feathers, necklaces of fangs, and other shamanistic ornaments. He appears often in the visions of shamans, for unknown reasons, interpreted as a portent of evil and death. He is also sometimes depicted as a giant white wolf of the same coloration and appearance, said to appear to travelers lost in the frozen North and those who would dare hunt alone. He is the last thing they see.
===The Earthwolf===
The Earthwolf, also called the Brownwolf, is said to be an earthen-brown werewolf with green eyes. He is usually shown wearing tattered cloth. The Earthwolf is worshipped by some clans of [[Wood Elf|wood elves]], who call him the Forest Father, equating him with [[Cernunnos]]. He is sometimes depicted with antlers. Elves claim he is a guardian of nature, but Men know of his wickedness. Many woodcutters, hunters, and travelers have fallen victim to him.
===The Blackwolf===
[[File:Portrait blackwolf.png|thumb|250px|The Blackwolf, as he is sometimes said to appear.]]The Blackwolf, also known as The Shadow and many other names, is described as a solid black werewolf with red eyes. He is sometimes depicted wearing rich ornaments and other marks of nobility, generally whatever the local nobles wear wherever his legends are retold. He is said to dwell in darkness. He is sometimes equated with [[Ahriman]] or said to be Ahriman's most powerful servant.
===The Greywolf===
The Greywolf, also called the Wolf Father, is said to be a grey werewolf with orange eyes. Whenever depicted, he wears the ornaments of a [[Northrim]] warrior, such as a wolf-headed torq on his arm. Some [[Nordlings]] still pay tribute to him, as it was he who first inspired the [[Aesir]] god [[Odin]] to create the [[berserkers]]. All Nordling warriors strive to even approach the Greywolf's impossible strength and ferocity. Many wolf depictions throughout Northrim exist to pay homage to the Wolf Father, wicked and violent yet respected for his power.
===The Goldwolf===
The Goldwolf, also called the Daywolf, is said to be a golden werewolf with deep blue eyes. She is depicted wearing shining golden ornaments and sometimes even pieces of metal armor. Her legends often tell of her appearing in broad daylight, unlike the other members of the Six. She appears at times to those weary from long travels under the beating sun to pretend to chase them for amusement, at least until they collapse in exhaustion. She often devours them afterward.
===The Bloodwolf===
The Bloodwolf, also called the Redwolf or the Devourer, is depicted as a crimson red werewolf with bright, golden-yellow eyes. Unlike the rest of the Six, who generally have ornamentation relatively consistent across their tales, the Bloodwolf wears little to nothing. She is nothing more than a savage animal, but more cunning than any beast, a mistress of the hunt and most vicious of all her kind. She is said to hunt both for flesh to eat and for sport. No one ever sees the Bloodwolf and lives, leaving some to question her existence yet more than the other Six.

[[Category:Divinities]][[Category:Werewolves]]

Titus Magnus

2024-12-04T01:48:03Z

Maverick-Werewolf: Redirected page to Valens Magnus

#redirect [[Valens Magnus]]

Victor Magnus

2024-12-04T01:47:56Z

Maverick-Werewolf: Redirected page to Valens Magnus

#redirect [[Valens Magnus]]

Severina Kallistos

2024-12-04T01:47:42Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

{{Character
|image=Portrait_severina.png
|imagewidth=300px
|title=The Dame
|name=Severina Kallistos
|fullname=Severina Kathryn Kallistos
|aliases=Sev
|race=Achaean
|sex=Female
|born=Unknown
|birthplace=Illikon, Northwestern Empire
|height=5'7"
|eyecolor=Green
|haircolor=Auburn
|affinity=Water
|familiar=Unknown
|affiliations=Achaean Empire, House of Kallistos, Illikon}}Lady Severina Kallistos is a lady knight of [[Illikon]] and member of the [[House of Kallistos]]. She is a loyal knight and intimidating warrior, to the chagrin of some [[Achaeans]] from deeper in the [[Achaean Empire|Empire]]. She is friends with [[Valens Magnus]], grudging friends with [[Corben McShane]], and a flame of [[Tom Drake|Tom Drake's]].
==Biography==
Severina grew up in Illikon and [[Gryphon Roost]], and from a young age, her family trained her to become a knight. Although this would be unconventional in certain older Achaean lands, the Northwest allowed such a strange concept... but Severina met much opposition. Many doubted a woman was capable of becoming a knight, and she trained all the harder under the additional criticism and scrutiny. She has since proven herself many times as highly skilled, and she has bested many of her counterparts in swordsmanship. Even now, however, she struggles to maintain a good reputation - sometimes at the expense of her true feelings and desires.
==Personality==
More often than not, Severina comes across as cold and very strict. Underneath, she has the capacity to loosen up and even tell a joke or two, but she maintains very professional behavior when around most anyone - especially her fellow knights.
==Appearances==
Severina has appeared in ''[[Knightfall]]''.

[[Category:Characters]][[Category:Achaeans]][[Category:Illikonians]][[Category:Knights]]

Corben McShane

2024-12-04T01:47:30Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

{{Character
|image=Portrait_corben.png
|imagewidth=300px
|title=The Watchman
|name=Corben McShane
|fullname=Corben McShane
|aliases=Cor
|race=Half Northman, half Achaean
|sex=Male
|born=Unknown
|birthplace=Coldstone Wall, Northwestern Empire
|height=6'
|eyecolor=Green
|haircolor=Brown
|affinity=Earth
|familiar=Unknown
|affiliations=Illikon}}Corben "Cor" McShane is a hardened lieutenant of the [[Illikon]] night watch. He is both a commoner and of half Northern blood. Corben is best friends with Sir [[Tom Drake]] and Captain [[Valens Magnus]], which often comes as a surprise to others, for they are both of a higher station.
==Biography==
Though born at [[Coldstone Wall]], Corben grew up in a small village south of Illikon, under the watchful protection of the castle [[Dragon's Lair]]. Once he was eighteen, he moved to Illikon in search of something grander than farmlands. For two years, he spent most of his time in Slums, trying his hand at various professions. Corben eventually joined the Illikon city guard in desperation for some work. After eleven years, he is still working as a member of the night watch, although he was since promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. With a reputation among various city officials that is less than pleasant, if they know of him at all, Corben has only managed to befriend one or two people of any influence: namely Captain Valens Magnus and Sir Tom Drake.
==Description==
Ruggedly handsome and always bearing a rough stubble, Corben's head is shaved all but bare, adding to his brawler appearance. He is rarely seen out of his guard uniform: a suit of chainmail with a deep blue tabard bearing the Illikon gryphon in bright gold upon the chest. Corben is left-handed, and this often gives him an edge in battle against those familiar with fighting only right-handed warriors.

==Personality==
Corben is a dry, pessimistic individual with a drinking problem. Tough but by no means unintelligent, Corben thinks his actions through carefully to make sure he always comes out alive in the end of every situation. He has only a handful of real friends, so he tends to stand by their sides. However, he has a bad habit of becoming involved in things he does not really want to be involved in, often due to being friends with Drake and Magnus.
==Appearances==
Corben is a major character in ''[[The Prophecy of the Six]]'' series and has appeared in ''[[Knightfall]]''.

[[Category:Characters]][[Category:Achaeans]][[Category:Mixed-bloods]][[Category:Illikonians]]

Illikon

2024-12-04T01:47:11Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

[[File:Illikon_emblem.jpg|thumb|300px|The emblem of Illikon, a golden gryphon on a deep blue field.]]Illikon is one of the largest port cities in all the [[Achaean Empire]] and capital of the Northwestern Kingdom. While Illikon is a valuable asset to [[Achaea]] as a whole, it maintains a somewhat infamous reputation in the Achaean heartland.
==History==
Founded around two centuries ago during the Empire's first attempt to expand farther north, Illikon was one of the first settlements of the Northwest. It began merely as a castle, called Castle Illikon, and the knights there protected the settlements along the nearby coast. More and more buildings were constructed around this mighty keep and its docks, and soon an entire sprawling port city was built, with its own royal family, knights, outlying farmlands, and a port that rivaled even truly ancient Achaean cities. It was quickly named capital of the Northwestern Kingdom, the then-newest region of the Achaean Empire.

==Reputation==
Many old Achaean families from deeper within the Empire call Illikon - along with the entire Northwest - wild, untamed, and even rebellious. This assumption is not wholly incorrect. Illikon's rulers have always shown loyalty toward the Empire, but they frequently bend or even break various Imperial laws if they feel it is required. The Queens of Illikon have become infamous over the generations for having hand-picked favorite knights who do their personal biddings... some of which, rumors say, involve breaking Imperial laws. Investigations into such matters by Imperial officials have yielded nothing, but even this does not satisfy some, who claim the truth was concealed by great conspiracies involving all of Illikon's officials. It is both true and known, however, that the rulers of Illikon employ privateers to do their bidding: pirates who raid other ships that would be a threat to Imperial vessels, returning the riches to Illikon in return for official protection and a large cut of the profits. Many Achaeans complain that these privateers may also be raiding other Imperial ships, but there has never been any proof of this being true.
==Structure==
Illikon is divided up into four primary districts, with an enormous castle resting atop high cliffs overlooking the ocean at the far western side of the city. Castle Illikon has its own wall, moat, and vast castle grounds, and it is here that the royal family dwells, as they have since the city was founded. Like most large Achaean cities, Illikon has a vast sewer system to control the city's waste.
===The Monument District===
The northernmost district of the city is called the Monument District, named for its many sculptures, engravings, and other monuments to historical figures of Achaea, including various commanders and knights who were vital to the conquering of the Northwest. This district also contains most of the city's beautiful temples to various deities. It is here that the city's richest inhabitants dwell, and most knights of the Northwest have a manor in this district, even if they have their own castles somewhere outside the city. In the case of Illikon, however, there are several knights who live exclusively within its walls, which was a tradition began when the land was still being settled.
===The Central District===
The Central District is precisely what it seems: it is the centermost district of the city and includes Castle Illikon. Primarily, the Central District is the great cobblestone road that runs down the city's center, from its main gate (on the far eastern side of the city, facing the Plains of Illikon) to its docks on the city's western side. This road leads directly from the eastern gates all the way across the city to Castle Illikon, bringing travelers to the glorious structure. Contained in the Central District are many shops, inns, and taverns: most of these are upper-class, such as the Silver Stein, one of the largest inns in the city known for having both good rooms and reasonable prices.
===The Needy District; "The Slums"===
As with any city, a large portion of Illikon is devoted to housing and catering to the lowly masses of peasants who work the city's docks and other simple jobs. This area is known as the Needy District, but most simply call it the Slums. The southernmost area of the city, the Slums are run-down and filthy compared to the Central and Monument districts. Crime in the Slums is common, but the local city guards are very adept at their work, and this crime rarely - if ever - leaves its native district. The taverns in the Slums are seedy, full of thugs and strumpets. The Flogged Donkey is a prime example of this, as it has earned the title of the seediest tavern in Illikon.

===The Seaside District; "The Docks"===
The Seaside District, or simply the Docks, is Illikon's heart and soul. Vast and intricate, the city's docks are extremely well maintained, and countless ships come and go at an alarming rate. Perhaps one reason why the Slums are so full of crime is because the city guards keep their full concentration on maintaining order in the Docks, as it is the most important area of the city.
==Economy==
Illikon's mighty economy is based heavily on its exportation of raw materials desperately needed deeper within the Achaean Empire. While the southern Achaean ports export exotic trinkets from the various Southern regions, such as jewelry, strange weapons, cloths, and dyes, Illikon exports raw materials such as wood chopped from its many forests and the forests of Northrim, various metals but especially [[silver]] from the mines of [[Eloh]], and grains and meats from its vast farmlands and hunting grounds that are still full of life.
==Religion==
Although Illikon does not restrict religion and even tolerates the worship of some Nordling gods, the most revered deity of the city is [[Poseidon]], Lord of the Horses and the Sea, for Illikon is a city of ships and knights. Some sailors there instead worship [[Njord]], the Northern god of the sea, but most of these do so quietly. A large number of [[Knights Templar]] dwell in Illikon's Monument District, keeping peace between the many temples there, the most prominent of which are Poseidon, [[Athena]], [[Zeus]], and [[Aphrodite]]; there are other temples, such as those to [[Apollo]] and [[Hades]], but these four deities boast the largest and most beautiful temples in the city.
==Important Figures==
While not a very old Achaean city compared to those in the Heartland and the Empire's southern reaches, Illikon has had great influence over the Empire since its creation, and many important figures currently dwell there... some of which, though they do not realize it, have dark destinies awaiting them.
===King Aetius Illikoni & Queen Carlisa Illikoni===
Illikon has always been ruled by the same family, which still bears the city's name. Its current rulers, [[King Aetius Illikoni]] and [[Queen Carlisa Illikoni]] rule side by side of surprisingly equal power, although it is whispered that Queen Carlisa is more loved by her subjects, for she is more generous and kind. King Aetius does not seem to mind his reputation as somewhat ruthless and intolerant of disobedience. The two work in harmony, as they have since the beginning of their reign, and Illikon prospers under their rule. In short, King Aetius is feared while Queen Carlisa is loved.
===The Draconius Family===
The [[House of Draconius|Draconius family]], usually called by their simplified name of Drake, is one of the many respected noble families in Illikon. Like certain other families that have been there for generations, several Drakes were crucial to the founding of the city and the conquering of the Northwest. However, [[Warren Drake]], the current patron of the family, has only one heir: the infamous Sir [[Tom Drake]], his adopted son and youngest child. Although he is said to be Queen Carlisa's favorite knight and has even performed personal favors for her, putting his own life at risk while doing so, Tom Drake's bravery and fierce loyalty to Illikon is not respected by most of his peers. Regardless of the once-orphan nature of his only "son," Warren does his best to maintain the Drake family's good reputation, and his three daughters - [[Anne Drake|Anne]], [[Cristina Drake|Cristina]] "Cristy," and [[Cassandra Drake|Cassandra]] - along with his wife, [[Corianna Drake|Corianna]], are known among their fellow nobles as respectable and true to the oldest traditions of their family name. Their family heraldry is a rampant red [[Dragons|dragon]] thanks to their ancestry of dragon blood, their colors are red, white, and gold.

===The Marks Family===
Another noble family of Illikon, the [[House of Marks|Marks family]] is similar to the Drake family in many ways in regard to their history: they have dwelt in Illikon since its establishment, alongside the Kallistos family, and some of their ancestors were important to Illikon's history. The Marks family's current patron, Cassius, has two sons, Sir [[Cassian Marks|Cassian]] and Sir Gaius, the latter of which is pompous and snide. Cassian, however, is a respected knight and is married to Anne Drake, the eldest daughter of the Draconius family. This has caused some friction between Cassian and Tom Drake, but the families themselves to not suffer from any sense of rivalry; rumors claim, however, that Cassian feels Tom Drake is unworthy of bearing such great respect from Queen Carlisa. The Marks family are some of the most respected knights in all the city, and their status as such only seems to be growing stronger. Their family heraldry is a blue fish, and their colors are yellow, blue, and silver.

===The Kallistos Family===
The [[House of Kallistos|Kallistos family]], like the Drake and Marks families, have lived in Illikon since its founding. It is said that Sir Caelius Kallistos, one of the ancestors of the family, led an army that drove back a group of invading Northmen when Illikon was young. Some say that the Kallistos family mixed with Northerners around the time of Illikon's foundation and that this can be seen in the heights of its current family members, though they all claim to be pure Achaean. One of the few female knights in all the city, Lady [[Severina Kallistos]], is a member of this family. Their heraldry is a blue castle upon a green field, with golden borders.

===Other Important Figures===
====Captain Valens Magnus====
[[Valens Magnus]], Captain of the Illikon longbowmen, is a steadfast Achaean soldier. He has led a simple enough life, at least until he became best friends with the knight Sir Tom Drake. Since then the two have shared a deep friendship... which frequently involves Valens either trying to keep Tom out of trouble or helping him pull through it.
====Lieutenant Corben McShane====
[[Corben McShane]] is a lieutenant of the Illikon city guards, specifically the night watch. Often finding controversy and even fights due to being of half Northerner blood, Corben is hardened, with a sarcastic and often grim sense of humor and few real friends. His two closest companions are Tom Drake and Valens Magnus, although he is merely a city guard and they are a knight and a military captain. Corben is perhaps best known for his dedication to his career but his tendency to drink heavily, even when he is short of coin.
====Marshal Lucius Fletcher====
Marshal of Illikon's army, [[Lucius Fletcher]] commands all of Illikon's military forces, save the noble knights. Of common birth but indominable spirit, Fletcher is an excellent commander, a veteran soldier, and a close friend of most anyone with authority in Illikon, save certain nobles who dislike a commoner having such a high station in the city. He is friendly and laid-back, and he knows most all of his fellow commanders and even his soldiers personally, but he knows where to draw the line between his personal life and his job - or at least he tries to.

[[Category:Locations]][[Category:Achaean Empire]]

Valens Magnus

2024-12-04T01:46:43Z

Maverick-Werewolf: Created page with "{{Character |image=portrait_victor.png |imagewidth=300px |title=The Archer |name=Valens Magnus |fullname=Valens Titus Magnus |aliases=Val, Magno |race=Achaean |sex=Male |born=..."

{{Character
|image=portrait_victor.png
|imagewidth=300px
|title=The Archer
|name=Valens Magnus
|fullname=Valens Titus Magnus
|aliases=Val, Magno
|race=Achaean
|sex=Male
|born=Unknown
|birthplace=Illikon, Northwestern Empire
|height=6'4"
|eyecolor=Blue
|haircolor=Dark brown
|affinity=Water
|familiar=Eagle
|affiliations=The Achaean Empire
Illikon
House of Magnus}}Captain Valens "Val" Magnus is a commander of the [[Illikon]] longbowmen and a steadfast [[Achaean]] soldier. He has led a simple enough life, at least until he became best friends with the knight [[Tom Drake|Sir Tom Drake]]. Since then the two have shared a deep friendship... which frequently involves Magnus either trying to keep Drake out of trouble or helping him pull through it.
==Biography==
Valens Magnus was born and raised in Illikon, the younger son of a noble family. He has never revealed exactly how or why he was not trained in knighthood, it being a sensitive subject, but he joined the army of Illikon and became a longbowman. While he was rising through the ranks, he met a young man who was still training to become a knight: Sir Tom Drake. Despite their differences, the two became inseparable friends. Since then, they've enjoyed fighting alongside each other on campaigns and spending time together when duty isn't calling.
==Description==
Valens is almost statuesque in appearance. Despite his classically handsome face, his most prominent feature is most likely his dark, well-trimmed mustache. It only further highlights his signature contagious smile.
===Armor and Weapons===
Valens usually wears a suit of armor, often chain, and he is rarely without his archery gloves. Being an expert archer with his six-foot longbow, Valens carries his bow and quiver of arrows upon his back nearly always, though he also keeps an enormous sword for the close encounters he tries to avoid.
==Personality==
Laid-back and friendly, Valens is a very kind soul, his sense of loyalty running so deeply that he often becomes stubborn. He has an unshakable sense of honor, chivalry, and many other knightly ideals, despite not being a knight. He always helps those who cannot help themselves, no matter the circumstances. Believing that humanity is good, Magnus is actually quite gullible. Living mostly off his family's money, since what little coin he makes for himself he has a tendency to spend or lose very quickly, Valens has little to his own name save his weapons, armor, and horse. He doesn't seem to care, however, as he's so relaxed and can have difficulty even managing his personal, day-to-day affairs to the point where he can appear juvenile.
==Appearances==
Valens is a main character in ''[[The Prophecy of the Six]]''. He has appeared in ''[[Knightfall]]'' and ''[[Into the North]]''.

[[Category:Characters]][[Category:Achaeans]][[Category:Illikonians]]

Titus Magnus

2024-11-26T01:16:30Z

Maverick-Werewolf: Redirected page to Valentinus Magnus

#redirect [[Valentinus Magnus]]

Victor Magnus

2024-11-26T01:16:25Z

Maverick-Werewolf: Redirected page to Valentinus Magnus

#redirect [[Valentinus Magnus]]

Illikon

2024-11-26T01:16:01Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

[[File:Illikon_emblem.jpg|thumb|300px|The emblem of Illikon, a golden gryphon on a deep blue field.]]Illikon is one of the largest port cities in all the [[Achaean Empire]] and capital of the Northwestern Kingdom. While Illikon is a valuable asset to [[Achaea]] as a whole, it maintains a somewhat infamous reputation in the Achaean heartland.
==History==
Founded around two centuries ago during the Empire's first attempt to expand farther north, Illikon was one of the first settlements of the Northwest. It began merely as a castle, called Castle Illikon, and the knights there protected the settlements along the nearby coast. More and more buildings were constructed around this mighty keep and its docks, and soon an entire sprawling port city was built, with its own royal family, knights, outlying farmlands, and a port that rivaled even truly ancient Achaean cities. It was quickly named capital of the Northwestern Kingdom, the then-newest region of the Achaean Empire.

==Reputation==
Many old Achaean families from deeper within the Empire call Illikon - along with the entire Northwest - wild, untamed, and even rebellious. This assumption is not wholly incorrect. Illikon's rulers have always shown loyalty toward the Empire, but they frequently bend or even break various Imperial laws if they feel it is required. The Queens of Illikon have become infamous over the generations for having hand-picked favorite knights who do their personal biddings... some of which, rumors say, involve breaking Imperial laws. Investigations into such matters by Imperial officials have yielded nothing, but even this does not satisfy some, who claim the truth was concealed by great conspiracies involving all of Illikon's officials. It is both true and known, however, that the rulers of Illikon employ privateers to do their bidding: pirates who raid other ships that would be a threat to Imperial vessels, returning the riches to Illikon in return for official protection and a large cut of the profits. Many Achaeans complain that these privateers may also be raiding other Imperial ships, but there has never been any proof of this being true.
==Structure==
Illikon is divided up into four primary districts, with an enormous castle resting atop high cliffs overlooking the ocean at the far western side of the city. Castle Illikon has its own wall, moat, and vast castle grounds, and it is here that the royal family dwells, as they have since the city was founded. Like most large Achaean cities, Illikon has a vast sewer system to control the city's waste.
===The Monument District===
The northernmost district of the city is called the Monument District, named for its many sculptures, engravings, and other monuments to historical figures of Achaea, including various commanders and knights who were vital to the conquering of the Northwest. This district also contains most of the city's beautiful temples to various deities. It is here that the city's richest inhabitants dwell, and most knights of the Northwest have a manor in this district, even if they have their own castles somewhere outside the city. In the case of Illikon, however, there are several knights who live exclusively within its walls, which was a tradition began when the land was still being settled.
===The Central District===
The Central District is precisely what it seems: it is the centermost district of the city and includes Castle Illikon. Primarily, the Central District is the great cobblestone road that runs down the city's center, from its main gate (on the far eastern side of the city, facing the Plains of Illikon) to its docks on the city's western side. This road leads directly from the eastern gates all the way across the city to Castle Illikon, bringing travelers to the glorious structure. Contained in the Central District are many shops, inns, and taverns: most of these are upper-class, such as the Silver Stein, one of the largest inns in the city known for having both good rooms and reasonable prices.
===The Needy District; "The Slums"===
As with any city, a large portion of Illikon is devoted to housing and catering to the lowly masses of peasants who work the city's docks and other simple jobs. This area is known as the Needy District, but most simply call it the Slums. The southernmost area of the city, the Slums are run-down and filthy compared to the Central and Monument districts. Crime in the Slums is common, but the local city guards are very adept at their work, and this crime rarely - if ever - leaves its native district. The taverns in the Slums are seedy, full of thugs and strumpets. The Flogged Donkey is a prime example of this, as it has earned the title of the seediest tavern in Illikon.

===The Seaside District; "The Docks"===
The Seaside District, or simply the Docks, is Illikon's heart and soul. Vast and intricate, the city's docks are extremely well maintained, and countless ships come and go at an alarming rate. Perhaps one reason why the Slums are so full of crime is because the city guards keep their full concentration on maintaining order in the Docks, as it is the most important area of the city.
==Economy==
Illikon's mighty economy is based heavily on its exportation of raw materials desperately needed deeper within the Achaean Empire. While the southern Achaean ports export exotic trinkets from the various Southern regions, such as jewelry, strange weapons, cloths, and dyes, Illikon exports raw materials such as wood chopped from its many forests and the forests of Northrim, various metals but especially [[silver]] from the mines of [[Eloh]], and grains and meats from its vast farmlands and hunting grounds that are still full of life.
==Religion==
Although Illikon does not restrict religion and even tolerates the worship of some Nordling gods, the most revered deity of the city is [[Poseidon]], Lord of the Horses and the Sea, for Illikon is a city of ships and knights. Some sailors there instead worship [[Njord]], the Northern god of the sea, but most of these do so quietly. A large number of [[Knights Templar]] dwell in Illikon's Monument District, keeping peace between the many temples there, the most prominent of which are Poseidon, [[Athena]], [[Zeus]], and [[Aphrodite]]; there are other temples, such as those to [[Apollo]] and [[Hades]], but these four deities boast the largest and most beautiful temples in the city.
==Important Figures==
While not a very old Achaean city compared to those in the Heartland and the Empire's southern reaches, Illikon has had great influence over the Empire since its creation, and many important figures currently dwell there... some of which, though they do not realize it, have dark destinies awaiting them.
===King Aetius Illikoni & Queen Carlisa Illikoni===
Illikon has always been ruled by the same family, which still bears the city's name. Its current rulers, [[King Aetius Illikoni]] and [[Queen Carlisa Illikoni]] rule side by side of surprisingly equal power, although it is whispered that Queen Carlisa is more loved by her subjects, for she is more generous and kind. King Aetius does not seem to mind his reputation as somewhat ruthless and intolerant of disobedience. The two work in harmony, as they have since the beginning of their reign, and Illikon prospers under their rule. In short, King Aetius is feared while Queen Carlisa is loved.
===The Draconius Family===
The [[House of Draconius|Draconius family]], usually called by their simplified name of Drake, is one of the many respected noble families in Illikon. Like certain other families that have been there for generations, several Drakes were crucial to the founding of the city and the conquering of the Northwest. However, [[Warren Drake]], the current patron of the family, has only one heir: the infamous Sir [[Tom Drake]], his adopted son and youngest child. Although he is said to be Queen Carlisa's favorite knight and has even performed personal favors for her, putting his own life at risk while doing so, Tom Drake's bravery and fierce loyalty to Illikon is not respected by most of his peers. Regardless of the once-orphan nature of his only "son," Warren does his best to maintain the Drake family's good reputation, and his three daughters - [[Anne Drake|Anne]], [[Cristina Drake|Cristina]] "Cristy," and [[Cassandra Drake|Cassandra]] - along with his wife, [[Corianna Drake|Corianna]], are known among their fellow nobles as respectable and true to the oldest traditions of their family name. Their family heraldry is a rampant red [[Dragons|dragon]] thanks to their ancestry of dragon blood, their colors are red, white, and gold.

===The Marks Family===
Another noble family of Illikon, the [[House of Marks|Marks family]] is similar to the Drake family in many ways in regard to their history: they have dwelt in Illikon since its establishment, alongside the Kallistos family, and some of their ancestors were important to Illikon's history. The Marks family's current patron, Cassius, has two sons, Sir [[Cassian Marks|Cassian]] and Sir Gaius, the latter of which is pompous and snide. Cassian, however, is a respected knight and is married to Anne Drake, the eldest daughter of the Draconius family. This has caused some friction between Cassian and Tom Drake, but the families themselves to not suffer from any sense of rivalry; rumors claim, however, that Cassian feels Tom Drake is unworthy of bearing such great respect from Queen Carlisa. The Marks family are some of the most respected knights in all the city, and their status as such only seems to be growing stronger. Their family heraldry is a blue fish, and their colors are yellow, blue, and silver.

===The Kallistos Family===
The [[House of Kallistos|Kallistos family]], like the Drake and Marks families, have lived in Illikon since its founding. It is said that Sir Caelius Kallistos, one of the ancestors of the family, led an army that drove back a group of invading Northmen when Illikon was young. Some say that the Kallistos family mixed with Northerners around the time of Illikon's foundation and that this can be seen in the heights of its current family members, though they all claim to be pure Achaean. One of the few female knights in all the city, Lady [[Severina Kallistos]], is a member of this family. Their heraldry is a blue castle upon a green field, with golden borders.

===Other Important Figures===
====Captain Valentinus Magnus====
[[Valentinus Magnus]], Captain of the Illikon longbowmen, is a steadfast Achaean soldier. He has led a simple enough life, at least until he became best friends with the knight Sir Tom Drake. Since then the two have shared a deep friendship... which frequently involves Valentinus either trying to keep Tom out of trouble or helping him pull through it.
====Lieutenant Corben McShane====
[[Corben McShane]] is a lieutenant of the Illikon city guards, specifically the night watch. Often finding controversy and even fights due to being of half Northerner blood, Corben is hardened, with a sarcastic and often grim sense of humor and few real friends. His two closest companions are Tom Drake and Valentinus Magnus, although he is merely a city guard and they are a knight and a military captain. Corben is perhaps best known for his dedication to his career but his tendency to drink heavily, even when he is short of coin.
====Marshal Lucius Fletcher====
Marshal of Illikon's army, [[Lucius Fletcher]] commands all of Illikon's military forces, save the noble knights. Of common birth but indominable spirit, Fletcher is an excellent commander, a veteran soldier, and a close friend of most anyone with authority in Illikon, save certain nobles who dislike a commoner having such a high station in the city. He is friendly and laid-back, and he knows most all of his fellow commanders and even his soldiers personally, but he knows where to draw the line between his personal life and his job - or at least he tries to.

[[Category:Locations]][[Category:Achaean Empire]]

Corben McShane

2024-11-26T01:15:35Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

{{Character
|image=Portrait_corben.png
|imagewidth=300px
|title=The Watchman
|name=Corben McShane
|fullname=Corben McShane
|aliases=Cor
|race=Half Northman, half Achaean
|sex=Male
|born=Unknown
|birthplace=Coldstone Wall, Northwestern Empire
|height=6'
|eyecolor=Green
|haircolor=Brown
|affinity=Earth
|familiar=Unknown
|affiliations=Illikon}}Corben "Cor" McShane is a hardened lieutenant of the [[Illikon]] night watch. He is both a commoner and of half Northern blood. Corben is best friends with Sir [[Tom Drake]] and Captain [[Valentinus Magnus]], which often comes as a surprise to others, for they are both of a higher station.
==Biography==
Though born at [[Coldstone Wall]], Corben grew up in a small village south of Illikon, under the watchful protection of the castle [[Dragon's Lair]]. Once he was eighteen, he moved to Illikon in search of something grander than farmlands. For two years, he spent most of his time in Slums, trying his hand at various professions. Corben eventually joined the Illikon city guard in desperation for some work. After eleven years, he is still working as a member of the night watch, although he was since promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. With a reputation among various city officials that is less than pleasant, if they know of him at all, Corben has only managed to befriend one or two people of any influence: namely Captain Valentinus Magnus and Sir Tom Drake.
==Description==
Ruggedly handsome and always bearing a rough stubble, Corben's head is shaved all but bare, adding to his brawler appearance. He is rarely seen out of his guard uniform: a suit of chainmail with a deep blue tabard bearing the Illikon gryphon in bright gold upon the chest. Corben is left-handed, and this often gives him an edge in battle against those familiar with fighting only right-handed warriors.

==Personality==
Corben is a dry, pessimistic individual with a drinking problem. Tough but by no means unintelligent, Corben thinks his actions through carefully to make sure he always comes out alive in the end of every situation. He has only a handful of real friends, so he tends to stand by their sides. However, he has a bad habit of becoming involved in things he does not really want to be involved in, often due to being friends with Drake and Magnus.
==Appearances==
Corben is a major character in ''[[The Prophecy of the Six]]'' series and has appeared in ''[[Knightfall]]''.

[[Category:Characters]][[Category:Achaeans]][[Category:Mixed-bloods]][[Category:Illikonians]]

Severina Kallistos

2024-11-26T01:15:20Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

{{Character
|image=Portrait_severina.png
|imagewidth=300px
|title=The Dame
|name=Severina Kallistos
|fullname=Severina Kathryn Kallistos
|aliases=Sev
|race=Achaean
|sex=Female
|born=Unknown
|birthplace=Illikon, Northwestern Empire
|height=5'7"
|eyecolor=Green
|haircolor=Auburn
|affinity=Water
|familiar=Unknown
|affiliations=Achaean Empire, House of Kallistos, Illikon}}Lady Severina Kallistos is a lady knight of [[Illikon]] and member of the [[House of Kallistos]]. She is a loyal knight and intimidating warrior, to the chagrin of some [[Achaeans]] from deeper in the [[Achaean Empire|Empire]]. She is friends with [[Valentinus Magnus]], grudging friends with [[Corben McShane]], and a flame of [[Tom Drake|Tom Drake's]].
==Biography==
Severina grew up in Illikon and [[Gryphon Roost]], and from a young age, her family trained her to become a knight. Although this would be unconventional in certain older Achaean lands, the Northwest allowed such a strange concept... but Severina met much opposition. Many doubted a woman was capable of becoming a knight, and she trained all the harder under the additional criticism and scrutiny. She has since proven herself many times as highly skilled, and she has bested many of her counterparts in swordsmanship. Even now, however, she struggles to maintain a good reputation - sometimes at the expense of her true feelings and desires.
==Personality==
More often than not, Severina comes across as cold and very strict. Underneath, she has the capacity to loosen up and even tell a joke or two, but she maintains very professional behavior when around most anyone - especially her fellow knights.
==Appearances==
Severina has appeared in ''[[Knightfall]]''.

[[Category:Characters]][[Category:Achaeans]][[Category:Illikonians]][[Category:Knights]]

House of Lysander

2024-10-08T00:46:05Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

House Lysander is the current ruling house of [[Helos]]. It is a large noble house that rules over many other noble families, and the house patron serves as Duke of Helos.
==Heraldry==
Lysander's heraldic animal is a black scorpion on a red field. The Lysander family typically uses scorpion motifs in their armor and decorates their home and equipment with their scorpion symbol. The scorpion is derived from the fact that a [[Manticore|manticore's]] tail is a scorpion stinger - with a manticore being the emblem of [[Lakedemon]], the city that rules over all the [[Red Lands]], including Helos. Lysander's colors are black, red, and gold.
==Ancestors==
Among the nobles in the Red Lands, House Lysander has a rather unique history. Before their enslavement by their [[The Gift|mage]] oppressors under the reign of [[Ildrius|Mage-Emperor Ildrius]], the Lysanders went by a different name. Their current name, "Lysander," means "a release of a man," in reference to the fact that they released themselves from servitude.
==Present Day==
The Lysander family still rules over Helos, and although they seem to have an issue in one of the family's noble sons, the family nonetheless maintains an excellent reputation among the people. The Lysander Dukes always strive to rule fairly, particularly given their family history.
[[Category:History and Culture]][[Category:Noble Houses]]

Plexaura Voros

2024-10-08T00:45:47Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

TO BE REVISED

{{Character
|image=Mysterious_Stranger.jpg
|imagewidth=200px
|title=The Firestorm
|name=Plexaura Voros
|fullname=Plexaura Voros
|aliases=Plexi
|race=Achaean
|sex=Female
|born=Unknown
|birthplace=Helos, Achaean Empire
|height=Around 5'6"
|eyecolor=Blue
|haircolor=Deep red
|affinity=Fire
|familiar=Unknown
|affiliations=None}}Plexaura "Plexi" Voros (VOR-ose) is a commoner girl from Helos who bears [[The Gift|the Gift]]. She is the little sister of [[Caiden Voros]], a [[Venatori|Venator]]. Plexaura tries her best to remain unassuming - not a difficult task when she lives a very simple life studying under midwife and local healer [[Melisende]].
==Biography==
Living a sheltered life, Plexaura grew up in a poor district in Helos to simple commoner parents, most notably her mother, as she lost her father early in life. She was very close to her mother's midwife, Melisende, as well as her big brother, Caiden. She and Caiden looked out for each other - with, for instance, the over-protective and aggressive Caiden picking fights with those who teased Plexaura's strange red hair. Plexaura learned to largely keep to herself. After Caiden left, Plexaura grew even closer still to her mother and to Melisende, whose visits became still more frequent. At Melisende's behest, Plexaura began to study under her and learn her simple arts of medicine and healing as a cover for learning how to control her Gift under Melisende's mentoring.
==Personality==
Life has taught Plexaura to be aloof. She talks to few people and trusts still fewer, often speaking a bit tersely and saying only what needs to be said. Fiery and spirited, she seeks what she wants with determination - trouble is, she isn't yet sure what exactly she wants from life. As such, she feels directionless, which only furthers her general frustration, particularly because she wishes she could freely use her magic. Efforts to keep that magic under control has led her to try to contain her emotions... but she isn't very good at it. Be it anger or sorrow, she has a hard time getting a hold of herself, and being so young and sheltered, many things still frighten her.
==Appearances==
Plexaura will be a major character in an upcoming book.

Caiden Voros

2024-10-08T00:45:26Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

{{Character
|image=Caiden_portrait01.jpg
|imagewidth=400px
|title=The Centurion
|name=Caiden Voros
|fullname=Caiden Voros
|aliases=Caid, Cyclops
|race=Achaean
|sex=Male
|born=Unknown
|birthplace=Helos, Achaean Empire
|height=Around 7'
|eyecolor=Blue
|haircolor=Dark brown
|affinity=Magma
|familiar=Unknown
|affiliations=Venatori}}Caiden "Caid" (''KAY-den'', ''KAYD'') Voros (VOR-ose) is a member of the [[Venatori]]. He is the older brother of [[Plexaura Voros]] and partner of [[Gwenevere Vergil]]. Caiden is known for his strong sense of loyalty and justice, as well as his unfaltering dedication to protecting others. He is also a [[Conduit]] - a fact he guards closely, concealing it even from his own family.
==Biography==
Born in the Achaean city of [[Helos]] to a small family of commoners, Caiden worked since the moment he was able - until he ran away and joined the Red Legion. He refuses to say why, but he eventually became a centurion. So too does he refuse to speak about why he was later dishonorably discharged and subject to public humiliation. Cast out of his legion and his home, Caiden became a Venator, based on their noble goals. He was partnered with Gwen Vergil. Since then, he has gained a reputation as a skilled monster hunter.
[[File:Caiden_gwen_cover_POST.jpg|thumb|250px|Caiden with his partner, Gwen.]]
==Personality==
Strong-willed, steadfast, laconic, and even single-minded, Caiden is a man who truly believes in doing what is right. He always puts others before himself. Though a Venator, Caiden does not view the order as simple 'monster hunters,' but instead as guardians of those who cannot protect themselves. Caiden is a very good-hearted person, friendly and easygoing most of the time, showing great loyalty to those close to him. On the job, however, Caiden is nothing but professional... even if he's learning more and more how disturbing it is when the lines of man versus monster become blurred.
==Appearances==
Caiden's story begins in the collection ''[[The Hunt Never Ends]]''; his series concludes with "[[Hunted]]", his short story featured in ''[[Tales of Wulfgard: Volume I]]''.

[[Category:Characters]][[Category:Achaeans]][[Category:Venatori]]

Melisende

2024-10-08T00:45:03Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

TO BE REWORKED

{{Character
|image=Mysterious_Stranger.jpg
|imagewidth=200px
|title=The Witch
|name=Melisende
|fullname=Unknown
|aliases=None
|race=Achaean
|sex=Female
|born=Unknown
|birthplace=Unknown
|height=5'3"
|eyecolor=Green
|haircolor=Black
|affinity=Earth
|familiar=Unknown
|affiliations=None}}Melisende is a medicine woman and midwife in , working from her small home that doubles as a business simply called Melisende's House of Healing. She was the midwife for the mother of [[Caiden Voros]] and [[Plexaura Voros]], and she currently mentors Plexaura in both her trade and in magic, as Melisende bears [[The Gift|the Gift]].
==Biography==
Little is known of Melisende's past or even her birthplace, for she doesn't care to share it. She has been living as a midwife and occasional healer in the city of Helos for many years now, peddling herbs and helping with the occasional illness, bandaging a wound, or setting a broken limb in-between assisting expecting mothers. Recently, she took Plexaura under her wing, to learn her trade - and to train Plexaura in how to control her magic. For, in secret, Melisende too is Gifted.
==Personality==
A gentle and welcoming spirit, Melisende has dedicated her life to helping others. She occasionally comes across as aloof, never wanting to discuss her past or where she is from, for which she often apologizes - and then steers the subject elsewhere. Regardless, Melisende is kind, if seemingly a bit needy, often wanting to be the center of attention or to claim the attention of those she cares about solely for herself.
==Appearances==
Melisende will be a major character in an upcoming novel.

Helos

2024-10-08T00:43:31Z

Maverick-Werewolf: Created page with "Helos is a great, walled city with a long and storied history dating before the rise and rule of Mage-Emperor Ildrius I. It is one of the oldest cities in Achaea a..."

Helos is a great, walled city with a long and storied history dating before the rise and rule of [[Ildrius|Mage-Emperor Ildrius I]]. It is one of the oldest cities in Achaea and home to a great number of proud warriors in the [[Red Legion]]. It is the birthplace of [[Caiden Voros|Caiden Voros]] and [[Plexaura Voros]].

==History==
First founded as one of the earliest Imperial cities in the [[Imperial Heartland|Heartland]], Helos's history became complicated during the reign of Mage-Emperor Ildrius. Like most every other Imperial city, a [[The Gift|mage]] rose to power as ruler of the city and enslaved the mundane folk. All powerful classes became mages or only the most trusted mundane [[Men]], with the majority of the populous serving as slaves with little or no pleasure or privilege.

A rebellion arose, however, under the leadership of a man named [[House of Lysander|Lysander]]. Against all odds, Lysander led the slaves in a successful uprising to overthrow their mage oppressors and retake the city. Since then, a Lysander has always remained in power in Helos, with many sons and daughters of the house having esteemed careers in the [[Inquisition]].

==Reputation==
Helos is known to be a city of unerring discipline and legendary warriors, like much of the [[Red Lands]]. Some of the greatest soldiers in the Red Legion were born in Helos. Many families and bloodlines of the city command great respect thanks to their long and violent, but victorious, history. The Lysander Manor itself contains many artifacts and knowledge magical in nature, and the city has also become known for being home to many very successful and influential Inquisitors. To be from Helos generally commands respect across the Empire. It is not a city that fosters the weak.
==Structure==
Helos is a fully walled city. Behind the walls lies most of the city proper, though the outlying farmlands also fall under the city's domain. Originally built around a keep resting on a hill, Helos is a very tightly-packed city with narrow streets and very old buildings, many still standing from the days of Old Achaea and bearing beautiful, older designs of white stone, painted statues of Olympians and heroes, and columns. Mingled among these buildings are structures newer in design, many made of dark wood; most of these are in the poorer districts of the city.

At the center of Helos rests Lysander Manor. Once a heavily fortified keep, it was largely destroyed following the Lysanders' rebellion against the city's former mage rulers. It was rebuilt into a more contemporary castle-manor, luxurious and made of a combination of sturdy stone and dark wood. It is a formidable building, and though not as capable of withstanding a siege as a true castle, it affords its occupants a beautiful and vast living space.

==Religion==
As is typical for a city in the Red Lands, the patron deity of Helos is Ares. Many other [[Olympians|Olympian]] deities are worshiped, of course, with other prominent temples to Zeus and Apollo.

[[Category:Locations]][[Category:Achaean Empire]]

Niall

2024-09-02T21:18:04Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

{{Character
|image=Mysterious_Stranger.jpg
|imagewidth=300px
|title=The Killer
|name=Niall
|fullname=Unknown
|aliases=None
|race=Achaean
|sex=Male
|born=Unknown
|birthplace=Unknown
|eyecolor=Black
|haircolor=Black
|affinity=Earth
|affiliations=Silent Messengers}}Niall is an [[Achaean]] assassin and member of the [[Silent Messengers]]. A master manipulator, cold-blooded killer, and skilled assassin, he is a forced to be reckoned with and detests everyone but himself.
==Biography==
His true name unknown, Niall hails from the southern [[Achaean Empire]], around the area of [[Emerita]]. He led a good life, not poor but not noble, yet still he yearned for more. Turning to conspiracy, blackmail, and manipulation to twist others into his bidding, Niall became a master of his craft. One day, though he says not exactly how, he learned of another, faster method to achieve what he wanted: murder. Niall became nearly as obsessed with killing as manipulation, his truest passion in life, and his skill at the art went noticed even by the [[Silent Messengers]] - the only organization capable of linking him back to his murders. They approached him and offered him a place in the order. Niall eagerly accepted.
==Description==
Niall is a truly ugly man. His face is hideous and he strives to keep it that way. He has relatively long, black hair always coated in grease, a patchy but dark beard, and eyes black as the pit. His smile, should he ever wear it in earnest, is as twisted as his heart, and his throaty voice will make one long for silence.
==Personality==
Niall is a manipulator and a killer driven entirely by selfishness. He knows neither empathy nor pity. He derives pleasure from few things in life, but a successful scheme and the suffering of others can make him smile. He harbors incredible hatred and envy, resenting anyone pretty, anyone happy, anyone generous, and anyone who has found inner peace. He enjoys successfully turning others against their own friends, finding the dirty secrets of others to use against them, and generally sowing chaos, mistrust, and hate. Blackmail is his favored method of manipulation. Should he ever feel threatened by one of his own schemes or victims, however, Niall is not above murder, and he is intelligent enough to cover his tracks well.
==Appearances==
Niall has appeared in ''[[The Demon's Fang]]'' and ''[[Knightfall]]''.

[[Category:Characters]][[Category:Achaeans]][[Category:Silent Messengers]]

Niall

2024-09-02T21:17:25Z

Maverick-Werewolf:

{{Character
|image=Mysterious_Stranger.jpg
|imagewidth=300px
|title=The Killer
|name=Niall
|fullname=Unknown
|aliases=None
|race=Achaean
|sex=Male
|born=Unknown
|birthplace=Unknown
|eyecolor=Black
|haircolor=Black
|affinity=Earth
|affiliations=Silent Messengers}}Niall is an [[Achaean]] assassin and member of the [[Silent Messengers]]. A master manipulator, cold-blooded killer, and skilled assassin, he is a forced to be reckoned with and knows nothing of mercy or sympathy.
==Biography==
His true name unknown, Niall hails from the southern [[Achaean Empire]], around the area of [[Emerita]]. He led a good life, not poor but not noble, yet still he yearned for more. Turning to conspiracy, blackmail, and manipulation to twist others into his bidding, Niall became a master of his craft. One day, though he says not exactly how, he learned of another, faster method to achieve what he wanted: murder. Niall became nearly as obsessed with killing as manipulation, his truest passion in life, and his skill at the art went noticed even by the [[Silent Messengers]] - the only organization capable of linking him back to his murders. They approached him and offered him a place in the order. Niall eagerly accepted.
==Description==
Niall is a truly ugly man. His face is hideous and he strives to keep it that way. He has relatively long, black hair always coated in grease, a patchy but dark beard, and eyes black as the pit. His smile, should he ever wear it in earnest, is as twisted as his heart, and his throaty voice will make one long for silence.
==Personality==
Niall is a manipulator and a killer. He knows neither empathy nor pity. He derives pleasure from few things in life, but a successful scheme and the suffering of others can make him smile. He harbors incredible hatred and envy, resenting anyone pretty, anyone happy, anyone generous, and anyone who has found inner peace. He enjoys successfully turning others against their own friends, finding the dirty secrets of others to use against them, and generally sowing chaos, mistrust, and hate. Blackmail is his favored method of manipulation. Should he ever feel threatened by one of his own schemes or victims, however, Niall is not above murder, and he is intelligent enough to cover his tracks well.
==Appearances==
Niall has appeared in ''[[The Demon's Fang]]'' and ''[[Knightfall]]''.

[[Category:Characters]][[Category:Achaeans]][[Category:Silent Messengers]]