[hider=Kozz the Forgemaster]

[img] http://t05.deviantart.net/LssjV7BzmcClPku4pE6ccKe2bD8=/300x200/filters:fixed_height(100,100):origin()/pre06/a620/th/pre/f/2013/136/f/d/cyclops_blacksmith_by_liquin3rd-d65hk1e.jpg [/img]

Name: Kozz the Forgemaster

Description

Physical: Kozz’ form resembles most closely that of the cyclops in ancient Greek legend. With a browned leathery hide marked with immeasurable numbers of scorch marks and scars, a monstrous but remotely humanoid face and one great eye in the centre of his forehead. There is no risk of him winning a beauty contest, at any rate. His form is none-the-less impressively muscled by toil, standing at a great twelve feet in height, but prone to stooping at around 9-10 feet, he towers above man and beast alike. His hands resemble a humans and are surprisingly dexterous, but otherwise he is far removed from humanity with sharp protruding tusks and a gravelly voice.

Psychological: Kozz, despite the crudity of his form, is a master of craft. Though not a genius by any means, he has a practical knowledge of the world and a refreshing pragmatism that sets him apart from most of the children. He is reserved, blunt but otherwise mild mannered. Slow to anger, difficult to please, Kozz is a creature few would choose to speak with but those who take the time have rarely left with a poor opinion of him. 

Powers: Other than the great strength and durability of his chosen form as a cyclops, Kozz’ only significant power comes from his ability to craft great weapons. Enchanted, legendary, many of the ‘relics’ and ‘mythical weapons’ that exist in the modern world came from his forge. The nature of his ability means that he can only craft a single item for a person, and his own artefact were gauntlets that made him near impervious to fire. Many have come, seeking some boon or item from him, most leave disappointed. 

Original tribe: The Barun, mountain people of low stature but powerful build, drawn to the rock to excavate metal or stone. They found Kozz within the mountain, and overtime he accepted their gifts and bestowed upon them the knowledge of forging and smithing. The tribe grew famed for its iron and even its steel in the Dawn period, though rarely waging war themselves their materials were widely sought out. They lived a rough and ready lifestyle, but a happy one, surviving off the reputation of their weapons and armour in the same way some nations survive off feared mercenaries. They were too useful to invade. Unfortunately, Barun suffered at the end of the Dawn, when they sided with the Angels they became targets for the Demons. The tribe only barely survived the conflict, only to be eventually conquered in the ensuing years after Kozz was betrayed and imprisoned. It is said that the descendants of the Barun still exist, albeit as part of the republic, continuing their work into the present day. Some even credit them with the invention of firearms.

Faction: Angels

Anecdotes: Though Kozz was unwilling to pick a side in the war initially, his tribe chose to work alongside the Angels and he followed suit. They were the armourers of the Angels, and his legendary weapons were equipped by their heroes, only for him to be eventually sought out and betrayed as the war reached its end. Unlike many, Kozz did not resent the betrayal as much as one might expect, understanding its necessity. His actual issue is far more complex, and lies within the use of his knowledge in the world he returned to.

Kozz’s main influence in the old world was his forging of many of the legendary weapons and other artefacts that cover the land. Though many have been lost or destroyed over time, many others have fallen into the hands of heroes and villains, even other children. Those who have yet to have an item forged by him often seek him out, but many are refused on the grounds of his own peculiar morality. Though not the only one capable of creating such items, Kozz is reported to be one of the greatest, particularly in the sphere of blacksmithing. 

Opinions

Eyra the Seer: Kozz does not hate Eyra, at least not for her betrayal of the Angels. He understands her reasons, even if they cost him dearly. What he cannot accept is his work being turned into rifle and cannon and slaughtering thousands. In his great forge the prototypes that eventually became the weapons of Eyra’s people lay, and he recognises them for what they are. It was not her right to make him a mass-murderer.

Kinion the fool: Kozz has no time for fools, as a pragmatic creature who sees the world in a simple but efficient manner, the subtleties of Kinion irritate him. It is uncertain if Kozz sees through the mask of madness to the danger within, but he certainly underestimates him.

Wu Dan: Kozz, as a pragmatist and an infinitely practical being, has less respect than he should for the spiritual and philosophical Wu Dan. That being said, he still has respect for his fighting spirit, which tends to balance things out to a neither positive nor negative opinion of the Mountain Spirit.

Therelon: Although Kozz is fond of seeking knowledge in his craft, he dislikes Therelon’s desire to obtain all knowledge, and his people’s claims to have been the first to craft steel irritate him. It’s uncertain who first came up with it, but considering Kozz’ place as the Forgemaster, one can make some assumptions. Regardless, they are at odds over Kozz’ unwillingness to part with certain knowledge out of his own sense of morality, and Therelon’s desire to obtain everything.

Tarthus: The God of Death has little to offer the world in terms of great crafts, in Kozz’ eyes. Though he hardly knows the creature, he has little time for it, and may even fear it for its abnormalities. It is said he once forged an arrow for Aylin designed to destroy part of Tarthus.

Chinasa the Pallid: Kozz sees something in Chinasa that perhaps it cannot see itself. When asked, he crafted for it a crown of its own, for he saw the role Chinasa could play. The King of the outcast, the abnormal, the scorned. Before the Betrayal Kozz admired Chinasa’s nobility, he hopes that one day the crown will remind Chinasa of what he was, and could be again.

Azoth: For obvious reasons, Kozz has little time for Azoth. A liar and a manipulator will always be at odds with a practical creature who lives for craft and toil. 

Aylin the Huntress: Though they would be unlikely to truly get along, Aylin and Kozz share mannerisms as such that they would either become reluctant friends or amicable enemies. When asked, Kozz forged an arrow for Aylin that was like no other ever made. The fact that he did so speaks to an extent of his respect for her. 

Ash: Ever changing and far too fickle for Kozz’ taste, though he neither likes nor dislikes the shapeshifter.

Nod: For the wild and unruly creature known as the Great Beast, Kozz found it suitable to bestow upon him a great axe. In truth, Kozz respected the beast’s freedom and simplicity, a warrior who lives but to meet each challenger. To such a creature only an axe that personified that ferocity and singularity of that purpose would be suitable. Though it could do good or evil, it would stay within the hands of one who would use it for great things. To Kozz, that was enough.

Zhystkrexas: Another monster, intent upon destruction, subversion and corruption. Even Kozz's pragmatic soul has felt the tug of insidious desire in the creature's presence, an unpleasant experience. The Forgemaster avoids it.

Kilgarrah: Warrior of a bygone age, with the fire of a dragon. Kozz and Kilgarrah would likely see eye to eye on many matters, though they have shared only scant interaction in the past.

Kalikmalo: Kozz knows little about him. 

Nefas Sen: Haughty nature aside, Kozz ironically shares some of her sentiments. Kozz has no particular love for weapons of war and death, he creates because it is his purpose and he is devoted to his craft. Though he may craft the spear that pierces and the sword that cuts, he also crafts the shield that wards and the mail that protects. Perhaps one day Nefas will realise this, until then, they are at odds.

Estoil: Kozz, ultimately, is intricately linked with humanity. He is craft, toil, ingenuity and technology, human traits. Estoil exists in a world outside of humanity, and for that they will always be cut from different cloth. 

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