“Animal” MacYoung is the leader of the brotherhood known as the Nethinim. A group of freemen who live within the wilderness of the Tilliman Highlands in the Kingdom of Andilain. There are various rumors of these men, including the acceptance of women said to ride the ancient lizards of the sky. This traveler has no proof of these rumors, but I have had the pleasure to meet Animal himself, and was allowed for a time, to dwell in one of their outer villages.
One of the founding members of the brotherhood, Animal has dark eyes that pierce the soul as he studies you, as well as an ability to accurately read his surroundings. On more than one occasion, while in conversation with this author, a brother entered the tent. Without looking around, or the aid of any reflective surface in front of him, Animal called the man by name, gave instructions–to which the man bowed and left. With a clear head under pressure, I would guess MacYoung makes the perfect leader within a group such as this.
Gifted in the use of the axe and most thrown weapons, Animal is regarded by his brothers as a strategist and tactical fighter. Though fierce and unyielding in battle, the odds are measured before he engages, even if only for an instant, and actions are taken (or given), accordingly. Yet his true measure was in the looks of pride and respect I saw in the faces of those who serve with him. They are not subordinates. They truly are brothers.
Extremely loyal—a trait shared among all the Nethinim, Animal can also be kind, with a particular softness for those who are unable to defend themselves, such as women, children and the aged. I watched him care for a child who had fallen near the well and repair a crutch for an elderly human. All with a warm, loving smile on his face.
Animal has a very colorful history, too long to mention in this electronic medium, but it was interesting to find out that he is known, especially among the demons and devils of the underworld. I couldn’t get much detail, but the one known as “Cane” told me Animal seeks out the ‘dark ones’. The “Ogriel” we call them…hunts them down, to send them back to where they belong. What I did get came from Cane and the one known as ‘Bear’.
“The passion he fights with when protecting others comes from a deep seeded foundation, laid when he was yet a young boy. In the quiet darkness of the night, Vallen parties (you call them Trolls) invaded the peaceful coast village of Sancton Ridge, now extinct…except for one small boy.
Fire erupted throughout the town as the Trolls moved from house to house, barn to barn, killing all who stirred: man, woman, child and beast. In the center of town, astride his beast of prey was the Troll and Ogre commander, the dark Ogriel: Legion.
Watching from the stables, where his mother had hidden him, Marc watched as Legion brought forth his father, accused of starting an open rebellion against the Dark Lord, along with his mother…and had them executed. Before the enemy could react, the small 7 year old boy dashed from the stables and impaled one of the Troll guards with a pitchfork.
Marc awoke in the arms of a cloaked figure, who talked in soothing tones. The boys right eye had been removed, bones broken throughout his small body and pain exploded through his flesh. Animal says he slipped into unconsciousness from the pain. A week later, he found himself in a warm bed, in a new village…his eye completely restored, though he had the scars around his eye.
He was adopted by a woodsman and taught the use of the axe from his new guardian. His ability to master the ability to manipulate weight transference in weapons and use them in combat situations earned him the reputation as “Animal”, and over time he has gained the fond respect of humans, elves and even dwarves.
…well, some of the dwarves, at least.”
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