Castilleja

Northrop, my fire faun from the rocky crevices in the arctic tundra west of Elera-Velon, born of a star and a shaman. He and his tribe were driven out of their lush mountain forests by dragons. In an effort to reclaim their territory, the clan shamans sought aid from the stars. For centuries, when stars fell and were caught by the earth, the fauns would guide them to the gateway between the celestial universe and their flesh world, which was hidden at the very top of their mountain home. The dragons remain unaware that such a rift existed. The stars that fall now are trapped within the mortal plane, as their only way home is blocked by dragon cities.

A child of a star and a faun possesses unique magical properties. Instead of tufts of silky fur, Northrop's tail shone with star-fire. He learned to ignite his entire body to melt through enemies at a phenomenal speed.  He and his tribe honed their skills and spears with the intent to take back their homelands. Northrop's childhood was filled with a single purpose: to learn how to kill as many dragons as possible using his claws and starfire. Northrop had never seen a dragon before, but he heard tales of their merciless evil his entire life.

The dragons struck before the fauns were ready. Fauns are land-bound creatures, unlike dragons. The only fauns capable of airborne battle were the few born with starfire in their blood. The dragons were well aware of which fauns were dangerous, and so plucked the starfire fauns from the ranks of their brethren. The adults were executed. Northrop was still a child when he was taken. The dragons do not kill children, so he was given a home in the capital of Elera-Velon and put to work powering the furnace of a powerful general's estate. At first, Northrop burned as brightly as he could, hoping to melt a hole in his prison to escape. Eventually, he learned his kettle was made of fallen meteorite metal, which rendered even his starfire useless. 

Years passed. Northrop's masters were stern, but surprisingly kind. They fed him well, taught him their language and allowed Northrop to play with their children. As time passed, Northrop spent less time in the meteorite kettle and more time as a part of his masters' household. They would send him to the market to fetch fish for their supper. It never really occurred to Northrop to attempt an escape. His home was the most comfortable he had lived in. He was not expected to be a weapon of war to win back a land he never lived in. Northrop knew he was a hostage, but he was given a chance to become a part of a dragon family. 

One night Northrop received a sudden visit from Faranik, a fellow faun who had undergone a terrifying transformation. Faranik had traveled to the eastern marshlands, that grim place home to bey demons. He sold his essence for revenge. The bey demons would be more than happy to feast on the dragon carcasses and souls Faranik would leave behind. Faranik told Northrop that not all of the young captured fauns had been as fortunate as he. Most were terribly mistreated, small mistakes being punished with painful burns and shattered bones, eventually culminating in their deaths. Northrop was told he was one of three still left alive, the other two powering meteorite kettles in two other cities. Horrified, Northrop left with Faranik to rescue the two others, not knowing Faranik's motives were not entirely truthful.

Castilleja is also known as Indian paintbrush or prairie fire. It is an appropriate flower to represent Northrop. 0.3 mechanical pencil and Photoshop CS5. 

Older picture of Northrop:


Inspiration for the composition is from dapper-owl! Check out her website - dapperowl.tumblr.com/