Group NPCs
Within the world and Lore of Equus Ballator there are many, many unique and exciting characters for your own Ballator to interact with. From the powerful Highlords and Demigod Troubadours down to the owned by all Group Horses and the story driven NPCs, there are lost of different categories of Ballators to help build your own story when joining the group.
NPCs are Non Playable Characters who, unlike the Group Horses, are almost always sterile and have specific functions within the group or the lore. NPCs can be created from scratch or donated to the group by members. They are real Ballators with IDs who accumulate stats and may develop certain powers and traits as they do.
NPCs are scattered throughout the many locations within the Equus Ballator canon lore. Members and their Ballators may interact with them or ignore them; they are there to aid in character development and further the immersion of the world, but they are not often required interactions. Occasionally, there may be a Monthly Quest that requires your Ballator to interact with an NPC, but those quests are, in themselves, not required for group participation either.
Rules for Group NPCs
NPCs are free to use in the artwork and literature of any and all group members. Certain NPCs have specific functions or roles within group lore, so please read through their short bios below to learn more about them. Please also keep in mind the following rules when using group NPCs:
- Treat the NPCs as you would any other player character.
- NPCs should be kept as “in-character” as possible. If you are uncertain how an NPC might act, please ask the group via The Forums or ask the admin team via Discord.
Donate a NPC to the Group
Would you like to donate an NPC to the group? We are always looking for new characters to expand our lore, but unlike Group Horses, there are a few more rules for NPCs due to their use and nature. Please follow the rules and guidelines below before clicking on the donation button:
- Undesigned Genos or Designed Ballators with no past or present references or histories are preferred.
- The Ballator must not have any used or to-be used slots. All slots must be clean. NPCs are most often sterilized and this will help avoid the confusion if someone is not notified of a Ballator’s donation to the team.
- Donations are voted on by an admin panel and not all Ballators submitted for Donation may be accepted. If you would still like to donate a Ballator to the group and it is rejected as an NPC, you may request the possibility of donating it to the Group Horses.
- Member planned names and personalities are WIPED upon accepted donation and the NPC will be remade to fit the goals of the group’s storyline.
- At no point should a member use their Donated Ballator as a status symbol or bragging rights. These NPCs belong to the group as a whole and no longer to an individual member.
A Quick Guide of All Group NPCs
Regale
Nobody is quite sure where Regale came from. Legend says that he is the first Ballator to ever exist, gifted with Immortality by the Highlords; his fur made from the sand of the seashore, his markings from clouds above the waves, and his horn color from the ocean itself. Regale is very reclusive, only offering himself to the most genuine of people.
He wanders along coasts and seashores mostly, enjoying the ocean and breathing in the sea air. Despite his reclusive nature, Regale is very friendly and noble, wise and will offer council when needed. He has never been seen angry, even though he has existed for who knows how long.
Regale is also the caretaker of The Glade, an illusive place only available to those who are courageous and strong enough to go through Regale’s Quests.
REGALE WILL:
- Give your Ballator a vague but rewarding series of quests
- Have a polite conversation about Highlords with your Ballator
- Aid any Ballator should they ask for help
- Treat all Ballators with kindness equally
- Encourage self awareness and growth
REGALE WILL NOT:
- Adopt your Ballator
- Marry or date your Ballator
- Fight or argue with your Ballator
- Allow access to The Glade if your Ballator has not completed his quests
- Give your Ballator gifts outside of his Quests
IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIPS:
- Starcrossed Lover (Star) is Regale’s mate
- Aoife and Adham are Regale’s foals that reside in The Glade
- Puck is a trickster Troubadour, but is an old friend
- Elementor is a young stallion that Regale has taken an interest in helping
Owl
Owl was long known as the official Judas Horse of the Equus Ballator Society, used by handlers to lure wild Ballators into their grasp. She was known as a sweet, if quiet and cool mare, rarely speaking except to make a short remark. Owl’s occupation continued for many years, and after her tasks were completed, she would vanish mysteriously and was unable to be found until there was need of her again. With the appearance of the Red Star, Owl continued her duties without batting an eye, seemingly oblivious – willfully or otherwise – to the glowing orb that pulsated ever more in the sky…
Owl is confirmed to be a shapeshifter – she often reverts to her mild-mannered, innocent Judas Horse self in order to continue her facade as the EBS Judas Horse. It appears she still has the wool over many an onlookers’ eye..
Owl’s true personality is now fully in the light: Quick to her feet, agile and equipped with a silver tongue, she is fiery and sly as a dragonling, with an intense loyalty to Hannibal. Some may even say there is more than loyalty in her for him.
OWL WILL:
- Hide from most Ballators
- Lead your Ballator astray
- Lie to your Ballator
- Discuss Lowlord Hannibal if asked about him
OWL WILL NOT:
- Adopt your Ballator
- Marry or date your Ballator
- Help or save your Ballator from danger
- Allow access to The Deadwoods unless there is a special event
- Appeal to Lowlord Hannibal for your Ballator
IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIPS:
- Apophis is always quick to serve Owl in any way that he can
- Antares and Betelgeuse are not trusted and are worth a fight
Elementor
Pious and kind-hearted, Elementor is the intrepid leader of Aether’s Warriors. The Plains Stallion is a staunch believer in his chosen Highlord and is quick to spread the All Father’s word to all that will hear.
Elementor is known for his good natured enthusiasm and air for heroism. There is not much on The Charred Plains that this stallion truly fears. Though he and Regale have occasionally crossed paths, Elementor is not nearly as mystical as the pied stallion. Elementor is more focused on doing Aether’s works and, as such, has never really thought about taking a mate of any gender.
This stallion is good natured, but not as calm and collected as Regale. Elementor is young and it shows in his brash decision making and over confident attitude. Elementor is keen to grow his herd and will welcome all Unpledged and invite them to learn about Aether. He is indifferent to Ares’ followers and will not tolerate followers of Hannibal or Tyndariai.
ELEMENTOR WILL:
- Joke with your Ballator
- Welcome any Unpledged or Aether Follower into his territory
- Challenge any Hannibal Follower to a fight
- Discuss Highlord Aether if prompted
ELEMENTOR WILL NOT:
- Adopt your Ballator
- Marry or date your Ballator
- Offer assistance to Followers of Hannibal or Tyndariai
- Give up his belief in Aether
- Abandon his herd
IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIPS:
- Regale is like a mentor to Elementor
Tisiphone
This large mare is the collected leader of Tyndariai’s Acolytes, a fairly new sect of Ballator Herd located on The Charred Plains. Tisiphone is level-headed and well spoken; she prides herself on patience and listening to any and all concerns from her herd members. She embraces the duality of her chosen Highlord by speaking softly but being a large force of mass to be reckoned with.
Nothing stops Tisiphone from completing a task when her mind is put to it. This mare has very little patience for Ballators who put their needs over the needs of others.
Tisiphone specifically collects Ballators that may feel they don’t belong anywhere. Through her beliefs in Tyndariai, Tisiphone feels that all life is precious while it lasts. She is indifferent to all followers of other Highlords and is welcoming to the Unpledged.
TISIPHONE WILL:
- Stargaze or cloud watch with your Ballator
- Preach the duality of Tyndariai to your Ballator
- Welcome Unpledged Ballators into her territory
- Ignore or insult followers of other Highlords
TISIPHONE WILL NOT:
- Adopt your Ballator
- Marry or date your Ballator
- Offer assistance to Followers of other Highlords
- Give up her beliefs in Tyndariai
IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIPS:
- Antares and Betelgeuse are a constant annoyance for Tisiphone; she finds them too warlike and problematic.
Starcrossed Lover (Star)
Star is somewhat of a mystery; her presence was widely unnoticed until the Red Star began to descend from its place in the sky and she appeared, heavy in foal, to be of support to Regale and Aether.
While her presence seems somewhat new, the stories around her are old indeed. It is fabled that at one point, Star was a human-owned, ordinary mare, living at Fallen Star Ranch in Montana – the brand on her hip would certainly suggest such a past. It is rumored that Regale, the ancient Ballator, had fallen in love with the spotted mare and sacrificed a blessing that Aether had bestowed upon him in order that she and he may be together. Star will only smile and look away sheepishly if asked about this tale.
Star is sweet as honey; her voice is high and shrill like that of a baby mouse. Her positive, caring nature and gentle way with words is a calming presence to those she resides with and around. Regale is fiercely protective of and deeply driven by his care for her, and she adores him in turn, always willing to come by his side and be the soft voice of reason.
STAR WILL:
- Help any Ballator that asks for aid
- Comfort any Ballator, especially foals
- Joke politely with your Ballator
- Offer kind advice to your Ballator
STAR WILL NOT:
- Adopt your Ballator
- Marry or date your Ballator
- Allow access to Regale’s Glade
- Act angrily or meanly towards Ballators of any faction
IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIPS:
- Regale is her mate
- Aoife and Adham are her foals that currently reside in The Glade
Burok
Burok is quite a friendly fellow and is always willing to teach others his line of work. He is always taking on students but he expects everyone to put their all into learning. Slackers will be shown the door immediately. He will not take shortcuts and always tries to make sure his work is the best it can possibly be. It is best not to disturb him when he is working as it can easily irritate him and those trying to distract him will be tossed from his workspace. Burok has a belief in all the gods, thinking of them all as parts of the same cycle, each having their own strength to the other’s weakness.
BUROK WILL:
- Adopt your Ballator; all of his apprentices are his sons/daughters/nieces/nephews equally
- Listen to your Ballator’s feelings and give them advice in the form of a forging analogy
- Flirt (badly) with your Ballator in a joking manner (will stop if it makes your Ballator uncomfortable)
- Share a meal or drink with your Ballator
BUROK WILL NOT:
- Marry or date your Ballator; he is not interested in any relationships
- Seriously harm another Ballator outside of war
- Outright hate another Ballator for their thoughts or beliefs
- Turn anyone away from his craft due to condition or sex/gender
IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIPS:
- Burok thinks Dr. Terminus is sneaky and suspicious and frowns upon Ballators who frequent the salesman
Carpophorus
Carpophorus is the unaligned leader of The Wayfarers. Unlike the other major herds that now call The Charred Plains their home, The Wayfarers do not have a patron Highlord and instead choose to value a Ballator based on their own worth instead of their religious beliefs.
Carpophorus is strong and determined, but sometimes too quick to make brash decisions or dive into a situation unthinking. This stallion loves a good spar and challenge and may, sometimes, neglect his herd just a bit if he thinks there may be a good battle involved.
Hunting and sparring are the best ways to endear your Ballator to this stallion. Sometimes he may come across as all talk, but Carpophorus has the bite to back up the bark.
CARPOPHORUS WILL:
- Hunt with your Ballator
- Spar with your Ballator
- Track and trap companions with your Ballator
- Make fun of any pledged Ballator
- Leave his herd for short periods of time to explore
CARPOPHORUS WILL NOT:
- Adopt your Ballator
- Marry or date your Ballator
- Turn away from a challenge or fight
- Admit defeat
IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIPS:
- There are rumors that Ollie and Carpophorus were once an item
Ollie
Ollie makes his home on The Charred Plains, where he is surrounded by dangerous plants and animals– which he absolutely adores! This Ballator is unique when it comes to his “hunting” practices, choosing instead to work with the usual prey animals.
The Desert Stallion can always be found surrounded by a small menagerie of loved and well cared for animals. Lots of trial and error has taught him how to best interact with the new creatures on his encounters, something he may be willing to train your Ballator in if you ask nicely.
Ollie may not always take kindly to seasoned hunters due to his more gentle nature. Successful interactions with Ollie may be easier if a Ballator has not yet ranked up their hunting to the highest level
OLLIE WILL:
- Teach your Ballator about Companions
- Discuss the behaviors and habits of the animals around him
- Always stand up for the little guy
- Wander off to find new animals to meet
OLLIE WILL NOT:
- Adopt your Ballator
- Marry or date your Ballator
- Kill an animal himself
- Hunt with your Ballator in the typical fashion
IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIPS:
- There are rumors that Ollie and Carpophorus were once an item
- Ollie has three companions that are always with him: Steve, Irwin, and Sheila.
Yvonne
Yvonne is a stately Plains Mare who is the current herd leader of Ares’ Hunters. Yvonne rose in the ranks among Ares’ favored devotees after proving herself during the events known as Red Star Rising. The mare is very firm in her beliefs about her chosen Highlord and will not waver on them, even when shown things contrary to the fact.
A reflection of her young age, Yvonne is very matter of fact and often only sees issues in blacks and whites, with very little room for interpretation. Her attitude is generally stand-offish and harsh; Yvonne is not known for her tact.
Any sort of insubordination is quickly shot down by the Plains Mare; of all of the herd leaders on The Charred Plains, she is the one most likely to kick a member out of her herd for untrustworthy behavior.
YVONNE WILL:
- Discuss Ares with your Ballator
- Welcome any Ares Follower into her territory
- Act dismissive towards any follower of Hannibal or Tyndariai
- Favor mares over stallions when speaking
YVONNE WILL NOT:
- Adopt your Ballator
- Marry or date your Ballator
- Befriend a follower of Hannibal or Tyndariai
- Waiver in her devotion to Ares
IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIPS:
- Yvonne thinks Elementor is a soft fool and doesn’t care for the other herd leaders at all.
Puck
Even among Troubadours, Puck is something of an enigma. Unlike most Troubadours they do not boldly express the markings and views of their patron Highlord. In fact, no Ballator knows who Puck’s creator is, and receive only confusing riddles if they dare ask. What is known is that Puck was created after Hannibal’s banishment to the lower realms, and during the first era of peace. They were the ones who called together the first Gala, overwhelmed by curiosity for the mortal Ballators. The Gala soon became an ancient tradition, heralding times of peace, as well as sports and games where all types of Ballators could meet and share their talents. Puck always remained a mysterious host and equally enjoyed fostering friendship, as well as crafting pranks and testing mortal Ballators to their limits.
Puck is fond of jokes and jests, speaks in riddles and rhymes, and always provides more questions than answers. Even though every Ballator knew of the Gala’s existence for many years, and greatly wished they would be one of the chosen summoned to it, few knew much about the mysterious host. Eventually when war broke out once more between Aether and Hannibal, the Gala came to an end and all word from Puck has been lost since. The Gala and its host have become a distant memory, but some Ballators claim to have come across a strange Forest while hunting and so the legend survives.
Puck often remains a neutral party and does not express their views on the ongoing battle. They greatly enjoy interacting with mortal Ballators and offering them challenges and games. Although they possess a vibrant sense of humor, their pranks are never cruel or malicious. Puck is however capable of great hubris for their talents as a hunter, and also at times does not understand the hardships that mortal Ballators face.
PUCK WILL:
- Speak to your Ballator in riddles
- Act noisy and excitable when given the chance
- Pull pranks on other Troubadours
- Assist Aether and Ares followers if they feel so inclined that day
PUCK WILL NOT:
- Adopt your Ballator
- Marry or date your Ballator
- Serve your Ballator as though they are a Highlord
- Wander too far from the Enchanted Forest without reason
IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIPS:
- Puck is friendly-ish with Regale
Apophis
Apophis is a general in Lowlord Hannibal‘s Legion. The stallion is a man of few words, so little is truly known of his past, though there are whispers and rumors abound. Often times, Apophis is sent as back up to aid in whatever mission or quest Owl is on.
Apophis has an affinity for fire. Through climbing Hannibal’s ranks, the stallion has learned (or been granted) how to summon and wield flames to his advantage. His better known battle tactic for leading his band of Hannibal’s Legion is to set the ghouls in his front line on fire and send them to attack. Apophis always smells slightly charred as a hangover from his magic, and if he does talk it is sometimes about how his bones feel like they’re on fire. The stallion often wears a Bone Crown with bits and pieces of defeated Ballators hanging off of it, which rattles when he walks.
Prone to seizures, Apophis is often not far from one or more ghouls who will protect him if he is ever unable to protect himself.
APOPHIS WILL:
- Grudgingly help Hannibal followers
- Spar with your Ballator
- Fight any Ballator that follows Ares, Aether, or Tyndariai
APOPHIS WILL NOT:
- Adopt your Ballator
- Marry or date your Ballator
- Serve your Ballator as though they are Hannibal
- Help your Ballator out of The Deadwoods
- Show mercy to Ballators pledged to other Highlords
IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIPS:
- The only Ballator that Apophis respects as much as Hannibal is Owl
Zora
Zora is a wandering storyteller that may be encountered on The Charred Plains. She does not have a concrete herd affiliation and will only offer vague and polite conversation about the Gods if asked. Zora is more concerned with documenting the growth of Ballator-kind and its spread and influence on The Charred Plains.
Zora does not stay in one place for long, and as such, may be encountered in almost every location by chance. She is genuinely cheerful mare who is unbothered by herd squabbles and allegiances. She does not hold judgement on any Ballator and instead counts herself as a casual observer of all Ballator personalities.
This mare is a master at her storytelling and will aid any Ballators who are pursuing the same class. Zora strongly believes that knowledge is power and will praise any Ballators who are take up the noble pursuit of learning.
ZORA WILL:
- Discuss Herds and Honorum with you Ballator
- Politely gossip with your Ballator
- Travel for a bit with your Ballator, but she will never stay for long.
- Tell your Ballator stories.
ZORA WILL NOT:
- Adopt your Ballator
- Marry or date your Ballator
- Judge your Ballator for their Highlord beliefs
- Act unfriendly towards your Ballator
IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIPS:
- Zora likes to travel between both Ollie and Carpophorous the most; the true nature of their relationship is unknown, but there is at least a mutual attraction between all three.
- While not on best friends level with Puck, Zora finds this Ballator particularly interesting and noteworthy.
Dr. Terminus
So few Ballators are as distrusted as Dr. Terminus– from his business dealings to his dubious reasonings behind his “medical degree,” there is nothing about Dr. Terminus that isn’t suspicious. All that aside, the Forest Stallion is sometimes the only Ballator on the entire Charred Plains that has one or more of those ultra rare or unique items.
Dr. Terminus doesn’t have a care in the world about who a Ballator serves; all he cares about is Denarii and how to make more of it as quickly as possible. He is a scam artist, but he is also very aware that his services are needed by those who need fast crafting.
DR. TERMINUS WILL:
- Scam your Ballator out of Denarii or Gems
- Talk loudly about his doctor qualifications
- Be impolite in the name of the Almighty Denarii
- Make snide remarks if he feels your Ballator is too honest and good
DR. TERMINUS WILL NOT:
- Adopt your Ballator
- Marry or date your Ballator
- Make a special deal with your Ballator; in fact, he will be quite upset if a deal is even suggested
- Act super friendly towards your Ballator
IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIPS:
- Dr. Terminus doesn’t care about relationships.
Appearing from beneath the depths of the waterfalls in the star-touched oasis of Aether’s Hoofprint, Antares was the first of the twins to be awoken by the Red Star. He began a battle of legendary proportions, against ghouls, Ares’ Hunters, and Aether’s Warriors. Nothing is known of his intentions, his meaning, his purpose. He is as mysterious as the Red Star itself…
Appearing from beneath the earth after the start of the battle caused by Antares, Betelgeuse disappeared to wreak more havoc as quickly as she appeared. Nothing is known of her intentions, her meaning, her purpose. She is as mysterious as the Red Star itself…
