[@Mokley] Thanks. That was some good feedback and some important pointers. With regards to the formatting, I think my different word processors don't work well together. Will watch that in the future.

Yes, I plan to use Uncle Tam sparingly, more as a bouncing board for revealing Mat's character. And yes, I am open to using him later if it turns out that way.

I hear you on the Gods. And yes, it is THIS tribe's interpretation of the strange things around them. They see trees walking and attribute it to Ka, the life force. They see bears rampaging and attribute it to the wrath of Drea. Like most religions, they are but a reflection of the truth, whatever that might be.

I read your update on magic system and yes, mine seems more or less there. As you may have realized, the herb system needs a dedicated mind years of study before it can be exploited properly. Even then, the practitioner is limited by the herbs and potions available. Those are the counterweights for the powers given by the herbs. The powers are usually physiology related - sharper vision, keener mind, agile body, underwater breath etc. And yes, Mat doesn't have magic. But I have a question, or rather a request. The stone that Mat carries - can I attribute magical properties to it? Basically I want the stone to function as a true lucky charm. The holder experiences chance going his way in those rare moments when great things are at stake. The holder is naturally better at games of chance, such as dice or stones. Would this sit well with you, or should the stone receive something in return from Mat as a balance?

Meanwhile, I will format the CS properly and put it up on the Characters section. Thanks.