The All Stars
I will preface the following entries to explain a couple things. These four began as human and chose to become therids after applying for the positions. The forms were predetermined and the applicants had to meet criteria (birth dates) to fit the team's vision. This was decided by the group's financier and organizer Nadira Nighteye. A tabloid astrologer. Why is an astrologer, who seems to have no digital or physical history, funding a team of heroes? And coordinating with Talon Faust? GARMA certainly does not know. But we have been watching the matter closely. Nadira is a question mark. But these individuals who applied seem to be good people and have since proven themselves as an effective crimefighting team. They would actually be assets to WILD, but it is doubtful they would be interested. They have even become competitive with Damage & Coyote as the detectives have begun to expand into more heroic cases. Maybe someday. But they seem to have a good thing as All Stars, for now.
Sebastian Ferrel aka Leo
Species: Lion
Gender: Male
Hair/Fur: Brown/Tawny/White
Height: 6'4''
Born poor in Queens, his parents ran afoul of a ruthless gang of drug runners. As the gang attacked their tenement building, his mother begged him to run and save himself. So, he did. His escape did not completely unnoticed by the gang leader. Even though he managed to hide in the shadows, the gang leader Winston West taunted him as a coward as the gunfire rang out. Years later, Sebastian heard that the same gang leader had been hiding in Seattle, his gang had been falling apart. So, Sebastian took a trip across the country, gathering several allies along the way. To face his demons, to find his courage.
With the help of his allies, he delivered West to the police but secretly kept what resources the gang leader had left, including the deed to a private Caribbean island. Winston had planned to use it for new drug facilities, but Sebastian had other ideas. He transformed it to a paradise resort called Sun Crown Cay and took ownership of it as its governor.
Some years later, the offer for the All Stars arose. Sebastian put his lieutenant in charge of Sun Crown Cay and applied without hesitation. Leo the Lion had been a symbol in his darkest days, of strength, of courage. When he was accepted, he happily embraced the form of the lion therid, as well as appointed leadership.
Sebastian helped with the details for this entry, he actually insisted when he learned I was writing it. It is a interesting tale, for sure. Sebastian is commanding and is known to have a big ego, but he has proven to be a capable leader for the All Stars. But the ego, yeah that would be a clash with Adam, for sure. The physical assets are self explanatory, he is a hulking lion man - strength, agility. Doesn't have additional therid powers. But he does claim the amulet he wears makes him even stronger with sunlight. A magical artefact is possible. GARMA has no records of it, however. Perhaps a tall tale from a lion who likes to hear his own voice. (Just kidding, Sebastian, don't maul me)
Nikolai Aleksandr Daedalov aka Taurus
Species: Bull
Gender: Male
Hair/Fur: Tan/Brown
Height: 7'10''
Son of renowned archaeologist, historian, and cable television personality Alexey Daedalov. Though Ukrainian, like his parents, Niko was born on the island of Crete. Alexey had been there for an 18 month advisory position and had brought his then new wife along. Niko happened in the interim. As such, he grew up fascinated with the myth of the Minotaur.
When Alexey lost his funding from the University where he worked, he had to accept a lesser paying job in Fort Dragon. Though he more valued his mind, Niko had grown to be a large, burly man, so he accepted a job as a bouncer at a club called C Level to help his family. Coincidentally, it was during this job he had met the next two members of All Stars.
The All Stars offer was a dream come true for Niko and it was an easy choice to sign up. Strictly speaking, he is just a bull therid, a bull man. But he identifies as a minotaur and the stars certainly have seemed to line up for that, so who am I to question it?
Sebastian is clever enough, but Niko is definitely the brains of the group. He has a fascination and knowledge of history, especially Classical history, that he gained growing up in his father's shadow. But he also has an enthusiastic interest in puzzles, riddles, and, of course, mazes. As brilliant as he is, it must be noted he certainly does not lack in brawn. He stands nearly eight feet tall and wields a double-bladed axe - though with hard light blades instead of metal. Metal would be far more gruesome and fatal than the image the All Stars want to portray. Of the All Stars, Niko would likely be the best fit for WILD. He is sometimes stoic and reserved, but that's not a bad thing when WILD already has some big personalities. There is no denying his unique combination of mind and might, and he has assisted GARMA a few times in an advisory capacity.
William Calvin Goetz aka Capricorn
Species: Goat (see notes)
Gender: Male
Hair/Fur: Pale Gray
Height: 5'8''
In another bit of fate for this group, Calvin (he prefers his middle name) had already been connected to his animal for much of his life. With people often mispronouncing his surname and his first name effectively being Billy. But rather than run from it, he made goat his identity. Alongside its alternate meaning Greatest Of All Time - he has a "G.O.A.T." tattoo on his shoulder.
Defying expectations fits who Calvin is, he seems to be a rebellious character. While he worked a mundane clerical job for lawyer Justine Schale by day, he fronted his own death metal band Deluge by night. One of the places they frequently perform is the club C Level (how he met Niko)
While the smallest of the All Stars by a good margin, he is in some ways the most intimidating. He has a fierce, fiery spirit and wields a gnarled, twisted, thorny trident that looks like was made from onyx. As mentioned, he appears to be an ordinary goat therid, with impressive horns and a long thin beard that is dyed indigo. There is more to his form, however. He can breathe underwater and, while submerged, his hoofed legs become covered in iridescent scales. Sea Goat, of course, it fits.
As far as a WILD candidate, it's uncertain. He certainly has skills, but he seems like he would be hard to manage. Sebastian makes it work, but it could cause headaches.
Herakles Isaac Becks aka Aries
Species: Ram
Gender: Male
Hair/Fur: White
Height: 6'3''
Raised by his Greek mother, a diner owner in Chicago. Herk never knew his father, but had been given his last name. A naturally gifted athlete, he became a professional football player at a relatively young age. His skills had garnered national attention. Fame, developing endorsement deals, the future as a glorious sports hero was all but certain. And then it was cut short, suddenly, when he failed a drug test. He insisted it had been a mistake, but his bosses and the court of public opinion had already made their decision. His career was over.
After that, he found various odd jobs before settling into a role as a fitness trainer. It was around this time he met Calvin and two quickly fell in love. And have remained a couple since. This is how Herk became pulled into the All Stars application and how he met Niko - while attending Calvin's gigs. Life as a ram therid wasn't his original plan but it gave him a new path to being a hero.
As a human, and then later as a ram therid, Herk is fairly large. More comparable, however, to Sebastian than Niko. While Niko is significantly stronger, Herk brings an agility, quickness, and grace to his skill set from his athletic training. From all accounts, he is a kind, thoughtful individual who inherited a love of cooking from his mother. On the surface, his personality seems very different from his boyfriend but there is something of an opposing symmetry there. And there is no denying the two are very much in love. Herk seems like a good guy and he would be great for WILD, but him and Calvin are a package deal and that complicates the matter. Let them all do the All Star thing, they are doing good.