While in time he will grow into his looks, adulthood smoothing out most quirks into a more cohesive image, Richter is born initially awkward in every possible way. Long before hitting the throes of adolescence, he is a gangly sort, all limbs and little muscle developed upon them. Large feet destined to be powerful weapons for his older self are more like clown shoes on the joey; hops, done boldly in pursuit of adventure, often end up leaving his snout kissing the ground and rear facing the ceiling. His ears are overgrown, flopping in each direction his head idly tilts—a fact that, to mild embarrassment, never changes as he ages.

Due to a nature more pacifistic than ordinary for a member of his species, a particularly burly physique will likely remain outside of his capabilities, but frequent travels and the physical activity accompanying it yield a decent enough musculature to endure everyday conflicts. Most of his strength resides in the legs, built up after cycles of bounding all over. A final height of six feet and three inches may do well in deterring a few would-be attackers, although it’s pathetic compared to any behemoths encountered. In those cases, it’s better to try for a crippling blow or two in defense before beating a hasty retreat.

It is fortunate Richter is an honest sort, uninterested in disguises and similar acts of deception. Pelt a distinct rusty red hue, hiding from view is an impossibility in most cases. Soulful eyes of stormy gray peer out of a face paler than the rest of his body and tend to reflect whatever thoughts gather behind them. A thick vee of nephrite jade, dark green, hugs the front of his neck like half of a simplistic collar.

Whenever he speaks, the voice heard is calm, warm, and almost lethargic in pace. No matter the emotion, there exists a notable twang though it increases drastically during moments of great excitement. Self-reflection blinding him to the interest of those listening, one can be forgiven for becoming bored during his more contemplative musings. He’s not the best at realizing when to get to the point versus delivering a breakdown of his reasoning for a decision, however swift it might be.

A chrysalis is a poor substitute for a mother. This much is evident to Richter in his first couple cycles of life, dumped unceremoniously from the warm embrace of darkness into the far less inviting stone cradle of the caves. Without the benefit of a pouch to return to, the joey is left to fend for himself in a world quite intimidating for one so small. Lacking a parent to shelter him, a similar face to his own to look up to, self-reliance becomes the first trait he obtains.

Do not take this for a sign that his path is a lonely one. On the contrary, he strives to travel the most crowded and colorful of places, curiosity uncurbed by others’ concerns for his safety. Unless someone informs him of the places he shouldn’t dare wander, fear’s influence is a faint one taken more as a challenge than a warning sign, and often the unknown interests him just as much as those destinations deemed for tourists. He’s a traveler, a trailblazer with a touch of the philosopher. Any answers sought can be found in the journeys he embarks on.

To him, strangers are but friends in the making. Their names yet to be known, he’ll obtain them, whether through an easy handshake and winning smile or a good-natured wrestling match of wills.

Enemies are a concept that likely will not come easily to Richter at first, open as he is to different perspectives. If a disagreement of values were to occur, debate would be his instinct instead of kicks or punches. Truly egregious action is required to spur him into an impassioned brawl, the desire to understand overridden by the need to survive usually reserved for less sapient dangers.

Navy blue velvet cloak with fur-trimmed hood and silk interior

From temporary partner in the Pocket Lesser event to lifelong companion, Harvey, the walleye rabbit, is Richter's familiar. Possessing a seemingly bottomless pit for a stomach, most often he can be encountered devouring whatever plants cross his path. Otherwise his presence can be a rather unnerving one, spending the rest of his time calmly staring at strangers and friends alike with the twisting eye stalks unique to his species.

Credit for picture edited to use as avatar: Michael Fraley