I got acrylic markers and a new sketchbook this past Christmas so I decided to use them to create a log of characters for my original species, mycari! Mycari are mushroom folk who have gone into hiding from most of society after hunting for their flesh had become normalized game. While it was mainly giants and other superior species who would have an appetite for mycari, it did not stop humans or other less superior races from giving away where the mycari were in exchange for wealth or protection. Mycari are kind folks who live in either heavily secluded swamplands, caves, or other well-sheltered places that are hidden from potential threats. They keep a strong connection with nature, and though written as demonic creatures in modern culture, they rarely seek mischief and will hide from travelers who walk through their territories rather than starting conflict.
Here are five characters I have made so far!
Umelin: An elderly mycari responsible for treating wounds and sickness amongst her village. Healers have a unique ability to use their mycelium to root themselves to wounded, taking away parts of themselves in order to quickly seal potentially fatal wounds. This process is not only risky for healers, but it is also incredibly draining, so mycari healers will often stick with medicinal herbs and limited surgical practice.
Fyndroo: A young hunter for his village. While mycari can feast on long deceased creatures, they still prefer freshly and respectfully killed organisms. While many mycari individually know how to hunt, assigned hunters are still important to be able to catch food for those who cannot hunt for themselves.
Asbid: A young button of his village. Buttons are what young mycari are called. They are playful, and normally stay close to their villages due to the potential dangers of not just outsiders, but the general nature of their territories.
Lodis: A dancer of his village. While mycari are not heavily religious, they still have their own epics which they communicate through music and dance. Lodis is not only a performer, but he is also a teacher, spreading the language of dance to others.
Marlowe: An elderly dockhand of her village. In heavy swamplands or coastal territories, mycari travel with rafts or small canoes. While most mycari civilizations are small, dockhands are still important to keep track of keeping track of who's leaving, coming, and who has not returned. Dockhands also function as patrol who keep their eyes on distant water to be alert of outside species treading too close to their territories.
