Ishnifus

Gender: Male
Elements: Metal and Psychic
Alliance: Oasis
Rank: Artisan
Edits: Polydactyl | Mane edits | Beard | Broken tail

Personality

Quiet

Upon first meeting Ishnifus, one would say he's rather odd, strange. In crowds of celebration, the bulky male would more likely be seen in silence rather than socializing. Some say it's funny he even shows up to events because he seldom participates in conversation, but when he does make a friend they say he's an interesting type. Usually, Ishnifus is quiet around strangers; he's more likely to chime in to conversations when he's around pals.
Creative
As a skilled artisan, Ishnifus must have an artistic side; he uses his powers and emotions to their full potential in every piece of metal that he crafts. His armors are always adorned with intricate engravings and details, which he loves to show off. He created his own armor, and although he doesn't usually fight, he wears it often to advertise his skills (...or to brag). Metalwork is not the only form of creativity Ishnifus holds. He can often be seen making up games with cubs, making a lowkey training session seem a field day to a young one.

Defensive

One of Ishnifus's most unusual traits is how he reacts towards confrontation. Never does he truly mean harm, so when his ways are questioned even by his closest of friends he goes on the defensive and fights to explain what he does. It sometimes seems like an argument when he gets in this state if any of his soft spots are hit with what he sees as an insult! The positive part is, he could learn to understand his faults if the one he's talking with can explain their points well. Generally, the better one knows Ishnifus, the easier he is to talk to.

Wise

With a somewhat well understanding of his own flukes, Ishnifus can give insight to others who seek help through him. Combined with his ability to think outside the box, this lion can help lead any troubled soul down the right path. Even if sometimes all he can do is speak, he can suggest the way to get to the best outcome of a bad situation. Ishnifus claims even his enemies have turned to him for guidance.

Realistic

Though every now and then he says something off the wall, Ishnifus is rather down-to-earth about most situations. He won't give someone advice they cannot achieve, for example. He also doesn't get his hopes up for something unlikely to happen, and always considers that the worst can happen. Others wonder how he can be so cool and collected, but it's usually only because he thought out the scenario beforehand.

Armor

Knight based

Ishnifus sports a strong, sturdy armor to advertise for his metal workshop. He crafted the armor himself, down to the last detail in the engravings. He displays it as a useful piece; no part of the metal is useless. However, the armor does have its quirks. The bars on his back could act as handlebars, for when Eros "rides him into battle", a game they often play. It also holds an appealing effect to balance its practical uses. The colors are eye-catching in hopes to attract lions seeking the best the Oasis has to offer. Ishnifus, like most Oasis dwellers, has never seen a true battle, but wears his armor quite often anyway.

Metal Attacks

Iron Crush
Bends metal from a slight distance, without having to use any movement or effort.

Homing Sword
Send metallic spears at an enemy, reaching speeds high enough to pierce armors.

Nature's Protection
Pull natural metals from the ground and surroundings towards himself, forming a shield around his body.

Melt
Simply making metal soft, makes etching designs easier when building, but also useful in battle to weaken enemy armor. Paired with "Iron Crush", it can destroy armor.

Psychic Attacks

Death's Calling
Can tell what is about to cause death to a dying lion by touch. Also feels how much pain it causes.

I Heard That
If a lion thinks too strongly, or actually tries to give him a message, he can read minds.

Blocked Signal
Stops a Telepathy lion from communicating through thought for a short time.

The Artist in Us All
No battle effects, but gives him an idea of a customer's "style", like what they may want their armor to look like.

A Ghostly Past

A Celebration

The day started out as any other—a bright sky and silence. Ishnifus had just grown from cubhood recently and wanted to celebrate with a walk outside the Oasis. He enjoyed exploring to some degree, even as a cub he walked around surrounding Oasis territory. Now that he was confident he could defend himself, the strong lion wanted to see more. It wasn’t like his Dawning of Light ceremony; there was no time to take in the scenery during that adventure.
At first, Ishnifus was in awe at all the sights. His senses were overflowing; he smelled strange plants, saw crazy-colored wildlife, and nothing could describe how exciting it was for the young male to experience this adventure. However, the exploration was getting boring after not discovering something new for a few hours. He was also getting hungry and ready to say he was satisfied with his adventure, ready to go home. A sound suddenly caught his attention near a steep hill. It was a crack, like a stick. Ishnifus thought it could be another creature, a Taxon maybe. He knew they were common out here. Eager to see a live one, he crept closer to investigate.

Approaching the hill, the lion realized it looked more like a cliff, or a mountain if he wanted to be creative about how steep it truly was. Slightly distracted for a split second, the beast behind the shrubs jumped out—and straight at Ishnifus!
It was another lion, one cloaked in metal that was not easily dented. His armor was bulky, sturdy, and it hit Ishnifus head-on, tackling them both down the slope. The heavy steel came down on Ishnifus's tail but the subtle snap of bone was nothing compared to the adrenaline rush that came over him. Ishnifus was fighting for his life as he fell, his attacker clung to him with razor-like claws. The second Ishnifu’s back hit the bottom of the cliff, he kicked the other lion away with his powerful hind legs. One thing about him always exploring was the workout it brought. Ishnifus stood to his feet, snarling and giving low hisses at the armored foe. He couldn’t identify where the lion was from, but he looked almost like a loner. He had no time to think about it, the mysterious lion leapt again at him, this time lashing out at his face and throat! Fear filled the innocent lion then, and he had no choice but to use his elements against this seasoned fighter.
He took the chance while the violent foe was nearly once again on top of him to Melt his armor. Ishnifus made the metal soft, bendable… vulnerable. This was the upper hand he needed, he knew, and with a sudden roar, pushed the attacking lion away, jumping on top of him in the process, and decided the only way to end the battle is if this psycho can’t move! He began bending the armor with his mind, his front paws pinned against the now-soft chest plate. He twisted it tightly. A smirk crossed Ishnifus’s maw; he felt daring now that the tides were turned. He placed a threatening paw on the small amount of exposed throat on his enemy. Suddenly both Ishnifus and the opposing lion’s eyes widened three times their usual size. Ishnifus felt a surging pain through his chest, his psychic abilities tuning in the instant he made contact with the other lion, and saw something he was not able to process quickly enough when the lion’s chest plate gave way under Ishnifus’s weight. A crunch from the rib cage, loud and gruesome, was heard as the two locked eyes just before the foe’s gaze went blank.

He literally experienced his foe die, he felt his soul drift away from his body. Heart pounding, Ishnifus couldn't quite comprehend the reality, the butterfly feeling refusing to fleet from his gut. His limbs felt weak and his own body, while the opponents slowly cooled, heated with adrenaline. All the while, his eyes never unhinging from the white moons of the other lion's. The image was permanently branding itself into Ishnifus's mind.
He removed his weight from the deformed, mangled armor beneath him. Panic flooded his entire being; he nudged the lion’s still body hoping it wasn’t true, hoping he didn’t just take someone’s life. It took several seconds of silence for reality to sink in. Scared of what else could happen out here in the unknown lands, Ishnifus returned, swiftly, to the Oasis.
Although his emotions and fears clashed in his heart and mind, Ishnifus knew he couldn’t ignore what he had done. The brute wasn’t used to battles, never fought a day in his life before today. He told the Council about his experience, blood still oozing from deep cuts on his shoulder and snout. He relived the brutal moments when his psychic intellect kicked in a split second before he saw what he was doing with his own eyes. To his shock, Ishnifus was deemed not guilty, and the incident was concluded as self-defense. He didn’t think it was fair. He should be punished, surely, yes?
Ishnifus took it upon himself to avoid physical arguments. Something sparked in him that day, too. He really grew up, not just literally from a cub, but mentally as well. He matured, became aware of how others felt and learned to become rational in stressful situations. Oddly enough, sometimes he gives short brags about the day, but for the first few hundred years never told anyone about it.

Shaping a Future

Part 1

Sometimes I would see her from afar. She always looked so busy, but with no work around her to be found, I thought. Sometimes, out of interest, I approached her and we sparked a conversation. Naja, I learned, was good at her job and took it seriously. I admired that in her, and we bonded over tales of work often.
However, the day I found out Naja had been murdered, I felt a crushing pang in my chest, a longing maybe, to talk to her again. I found my depression showing in my work. It wasn’t like me to care so much and I was confused about my emotional state. I even felt a tad of guilt. I guess I should have cherished our friendship more; maybe I could have done something to prevent her death.

Days went by, and I heard someone tell of Naja coming back. I rushed to where I was told she was, demanding answers. I didn’t realize until after the conversation how much force was on my voice. To my surprise, she had sympathy for me, and didn't lash at my waves of questions. Instead of harping on what I could have done, I try to keep at Naja’s side now, in the present, to help her recover instead.

Shaping a Future

Part 2

Never had I thought war would barge right into the Oasis. The Pride. I got a bad feeling when I knew about their presence. Naturally, I want to see who these soldiers are and find out if our home is also their best interest.
I arrive in the crowds with a scowl on my face. I swear I gave off an equally intimidating vibe as the Pride lions, because nobody approached me. Annoyed, I picked out the most eye-catching member and went to see what this was all about. Apparently, I picked the wrong girl for information, but the right one for making friends.
Daenerys sure was odd. Our first interaction was of silence—very awkward silence. I gave her a disapproving glare when she didn’t answer my questions and was about to turn away when suddenly I hear “How annoying, the brute…” and I turn to face her again, staring at her. We locked eyes, and I heard her again, her mouth not moving “Y-you heard that? Oops…” and she smirked. It dawned on me that this lioness was mute. I promptly informed her to think loudly so I could hear her, and she hasn’t been quiet since! Never did I have such a silent yet so talkative friend, and from the Pride at that! I suppose I shouldn’t have judged the new lion pack so quickly.

Views

Against aiding the Pride, will become allies if the Oasis gets involved; Oasis Loyal/Allegiance

Living in peace most of his life, Ishnifus is against getting involved with the current outside events. Mitus worked millenniums to form the Utopia that is his home, and Ishnifus would much rather keep it safe than risk it for the affairs of others. However, this lion would not sit by if they do end up going to war on the side of the Pride. If the Oasis got involved, Ishnifus would do his duty to defend the land he lives in--he would fight alongside the Pride if it meant protecting his peace and the ones he holds dear. He likely wouldn't try to battle directly, but the effort put forth into making sturdy, durable armor would be most evident. Occasionally, his psychic insight could prove to be useful when he has a bad feeling about an event.