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Shu
Magical Affinity: Pure Energy
Orientation: aro/ace, Trans FtM
Just as energetic as he was three years ago when the group first encountered Nene, Shu, now 19, has remained in Talta village to help his grandfather, Fushira, run their forge.
Enthusiastic and courageous, he's still eager to help out, running their wares over to Jibral for his grandfather, and more than ready to leap into action where needed to protect those he holds dear.
His Shadow manifests as a dragon going by the name Blu, a name that he chose himself and is adamant by. He shines just as bright and bold as Shu, albeit with a harder head and more inclined to mischief. Though a bit tactless, Blu's power and strength is unparalleled as a Sword Master and Guardian and is truly formidable when tested.
Jiro
Magical Affinity: Electricity
Orientation: Bisexual
Now residing in Jibral as one of the castle's leading scientists in the study of Ancient technology. He remains studious, often putting his own needs second before his drive for achievement, sometimes needing his friends to draw him out of the labs and into daylight. He remains fiercely loyal and often acts as a practical voice in the team, preferring to approach problems with logic before aggression. Being able to take down a colossal foe with hardly raising a finger brings him immense satisfaction.
Jiro's Shadow is of equal standing to him amongst the scientists of Jibral, appearing as a Minotaur going by the name Minos. Whilst being a master of White magic, he has made it his mission to document the texts found within a colossal library deep within the Core to share with the world.
Though collaborating frequently with Jibral, he spends most of his time working there. Maintaining a fruitful and positive relationship with his fellow Shadows, he still struggles to understand Blu and his brash way of thinking, leading to the two frequently butting heads. Retaining a level head and a calm sense of reason, he often interjects when Jiro becomes too wrapped up in his own thoughts, providing loyal counsel.
Kluke
Magical Affinity: Fire
Orientation: Lesbian
Finally achieving her dream of setting up a clinic, she runs it within the Core with a studious group of trainee doctors, exploring the medical practices of the Ancients whilst providing services to those in need. Having recently begun dating Sahlia of Devour Village, her confidence has illuminated and her eating habits, along with her general lifestyle, has improved greatly.
Though she is gentle and compassionate, her kindness should not be mistaken for weakness as her capabilities in Black magic are as formidable as her temper.
Her Phoenix Shadow, Lady Phoe, assists her regularly at the clinic whilst studying more magic-centric illnesses in her free time. She often accompanies convoys and missions out into the wilds, granting safety from both her healing capabilities and her tremendous magical strength. Just as kind as Kluke, she takes pleasure in being a more maternal ear to both her and her friends, providing advice both gentle and practical.
Marumaro
Magical Affinity: Rock
Orientation: ???
Since Nene, he has remained steadfast beside Zola's side as her apprentice, assisting her both in the field and with the castle's internal affairs. He remains loud and outgoing, but has learned recently that his vocal enthusiasm can often be overwhelming, leading to him becoming more thoughtful in his actions. He approaches his role with infectious confidence, retaining a strange innocence that can make him weirdly endearing and quite popular in the castle.
His Shadow rarely strays from his side, a formidable Sabre Toothed Tiger going by Sabre, a name they both chose together with great enthusiasm. Far more brawn than brains, Sabre approaches work with gusto and always gets the job done, regardless of the mess afterwards. He retains Marumaro's sense of loyalty and will help anyone in need, with little consideration for how it could affect himself.
Zola
Magical Affinity: Ice
Orientation: Trans MtF, Pansexual
A steadfast presence at King Jibral's side, Zola has moved up the ranks from captain of the Blademasters to becoming a member of the King's High Council. Outwardly cool and practical, she can't resist occasionally teasing the king, leading some to believe their relationship may be something more.
Still unused to having relationships with others, she can sometimes come off a bit cold and aloof, but inside she cares deeply for her friends and will do anything to keep them safe.
Zola's Shadow, going by Taab, is a sight rarely seen, preferring to stick to the shadier sides of the kingdom's affairs. Her darker reputation hides a cheeky and playful side, a stark contrast to the work she is rumoured to do on behalf of the kingdom.
Her caring nature means she gets on with almost everyone, but an aggressive streak leads her to butt heads with Jack frequently in mutual, yet enjoyed, friction.
King Jibral
Magical Affinity: Plants
Orientation: Trans FtM, Bisexual
Despite the events of three years prior, with the planet waking up and opening new pathways for subterranean exploration, Jibral remains a steadfast and capable ruler. Taking the initiative, he has established a village within the Core for both research and new settlers, taking the first steps in exploring the new world.
Though appearing calm and composed, he harbours a lot of self doubt and worries of his capabilities as king. Despite his fears, he endeavours to put his people first and strives to create a kingdom where magic can be embraced without fear and his people thrive with the knowledge of the past.
His Shadow manifests as a magnificent Kirin, a holy equine beast with the scales of a fish and a horn atop its head. Qilin is equally as steadfast as Jibral himself, albeit slightly more free with his emotions. His affection towards Zola is blatant, much to the embarrassment of Jibral, but he still maintains his fierce sense of justice.
When he's not advising the King on the affairs of the land, he tends to the gardens of the castle, using his holy powers to encourage growth and tailor a sanctuary for them both to unwind.
Sahlia
Magical Affinity: Darkness
Orientation: Bisexual
Originally from Devour Village in the far north, Sahlia has settled within the Core alongside Kluke, establishing her own bakery: Zephyr Patisserie.
Reserved yet bright, she has a firm work ethic and a fierce loyalty to her hometown. Since becoming a couple with Kluke, her confidence has soared and she and a small team are making strong steps in establishing a second shop in Jibral.
Her Shadow is a corpulent Cat Genie affectionately known as Djinni. They are a far cry from Sahlia's tenacious determination, being fundamentally lazy and hedonistic. They're often found manning either one of the bakeries, being a surprisingly effective face behind the counter despite their surface level apathy.
When called upon, their power over Death is a rare skill that can cripple enemy forces with ease. It would be much more effective if Djinni could be bothered to use it more often.
Devan
Orientation: Gay
The new captain of King Jibral's Blademasters, Devan is a fresh face to the castle, but hungry for a challenge. Originally hailing from a mountain town in the north, he's naturally hardy and determined, having acted as a nomadic defender before encountering Zola.
Though outgoing and charismatic, he can get a bit awkward if flustered, and hot headed in tense situations, particularly if it involves him personally. Regardless, his abilities with a sword truly earned him his title as captain, fighting alongside the King without magic to his name.
Szabo
Magical Affinity: Ranged (Reticle)
Orientation: N/A (doesn't care)
Szabo was once a mecha robo general who stood at Nene's side during his ascent to power three years ago. However, upon multiple destructions and self reflection, his loyalty swayed and he helped Shu and the group destroy him.
Upon being rebuilt by King Jibral's scientists, he remains firmly at the King's side as a military advisor.
Having turned over a new leaf, he wishes to make further amends for his past wrongs, looking back further into his past in a hope for a fresh start.
Upon gaining an Eternal Engine during the expedition to the Cerebral Cube, he can now summon a Shadow of the mythical Jack o' Lantern, abbreviated to Jack.
Jack's attitude differs greatly to Szabo, being far more playful and outgoing than his stoic keeper. However, Jack's sense of loyalty and justice remain just as strong, leading him to be the primary protector of Monster Town to the west of Jibral Castle.
When needed, he can become a truly deadly enemy, specialising in ranged firearms and stealth. Though often paired with Taab on covert missions, the two frequently argue in a mutually fiery relationship.
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Poopie (Mayor)
Magical Affinity: Area of Effect
Orientation: Unknown
A determined little Poo Snake that was encountered within the Cerebral Cube, Poopie returned to the surface with his rescuers with the intent to make a name for himself. Upon conversation with his fellow monsters, he came to King Jibral with a proposal to create a town specifically for monsters who wished to live peacefully. Albeit slightly hesitant, Jibral decided to take the risk and helped provide the tenacious monsterfolk with tools and resources, granting them the ability to create a small yet thriving town to the west of the castle.
Upon a unanimous vote that hinged upon his ability to summon a Shadow, Poopie was voted Mayor and has sat in the seat of power since. Being such a diminutive monster himself, he understands first hand the prejudices monsterfolk face, particularly of the weaker variants, so endeavours to have as many monster voices heard as he can.
Contrasting Poopie’s diminutive size, his Shadow takes the form of the fabled King Poo Snake who has dubbed himself Maharajah. Far more uppity than Poopie, he retains a strong sense of confidence in himself and his actions, to the point of being uptight. Though a bit of an arse, he offers firm and logical counsel towards the more grey issues Poopie has to face on a day to day basis as mayor. A firm fan of tea, his decisions can usually be swayed with the offering of a fresh bag, the more exotic the better. Poopie isn’t so easily bribed.
Fushira
Magical Affinity: Metal
Orientation: He'll never tell
Shu’s grandfather and blacksmith of Talta village, he tends to stay away from combat unless necessary, preferring to act as background support with his work. Though gaining the ability to summon a Shadow, he’s struggled to understand their use and tends to treat them more like a friend and counsel rather than a magical being.
He refuses to admit it, but awakening his Shadow has led to exaggerated aches and pains in his old age, preferring to use a cane or even a wheelchair on bad days. Stoic and paternal in nature, he’d never admit such shortcomings to his grandson and looks upon him with pride as he helps him with the forge’s upkeep.
His Shadow manifests as a demonic Rafflesia flower, going by the name Raff. He’s easy going and thoughtful, helping Fushira in balancing the forge’s books as well as discussing new locations to branch out towards. Though appearing quite impish, he’s much more gentle than expected, preferring to relax in the sun than utilising his powers over brute strength.
Bianca
Magical Affinity: Fire, Dragon
Orientation: Pansexual
The last of a genetic experiment from the time of the Ancients, Bianca was awoken in the modern era by an expedition led by Jibral to a subterranean Cube.
Entering into an entirely new world, Bianca can be a bit naive about certain things, especially cultural subtleties, but she approaches it with enthusiasm. However, she can be easily frustrated if she doesn't understand something, and quick to embarrass if it is solved faster than anticipated and she has made a fuss.
Despite her being hot-headed, she is fiercely loyal to those who have shown her kindness, even using her draconic form to support them in any way she can, whether appropriate or not.
Due to Bianca's nature, she is completely incapable of possessing a Shadow. As her soul was spliced from a human and a dragon's, the light cast from it by magic is imperfect and thus will never create a fully manifested Shadow to channel her magic through.
Despite this, her nature as a dragon allows her to channel her inner power in different ways, particularly in shapeshifting and her affinity for fire magic.