Ace, as the name implies, is the screaming daredevil of the skies. Or, well, the cavern ceiling at least. But those ceilings do get rather high in certain caves, enough that sometimes you can scarcely believe all this conflict is happening underground. And this particular Drone, his entire reason for existing is to be an absolute menace in the air to all who oppose Order. He was born the member of a batch, an entire unit of soldiers meant to bring the fight to Chaos. Combine that with his natural egotism and loud mouth and the end result is an absolute pain in the ass for more than just the enemy.

Likely To:
Trash-talk, brawl, gloat for hours on end, perform complicated aerial maneuvers for an audience (whether you want to watch or not)

Important Figures:
Mirac- A royal Chaos-brand source of aggravation, this living sword has become a sort of rival for Ace. Not that he considers it a rivalry. He's too good for one of those.

Commonly Found:
Ursa. Keeping up with his duties, Ace can also be seen patrolling any Order-infested areas. So, yeah, basically anywhere he can pick a fight.

Recent Events:
Unusual circumstances during a skirmish with Mirac in Leo has led to an upgrade of Ace's already peak physical form. Time will tell if this makes him an even more horrifying combatant to face on the battlefield. As of yet, confined to a chrysalis, he hasn't had the chance to give his new wings a test drive.

East is a Gembound that likes to keep to himself except for when he believes something suspicious is afoot or someone airs out their personal issues for anyone with decent ears and a curious enough mind to overhear and remember. He was born alone, and throughout most of his early existence, he grew up in solitude. Skeletons and the scraps of flesh buried under rubble kept him company in Orion, and deeply ingrained distrust ensured that he remains mildly reserved well into adulthood. This does not mean that he is incapable of socializing—far from it in fact—wiseass remarks or genuine interested comments both prone to spilling from his beak when he's inclined to talk. It does, though, result in him being unused to energetic company, more acquainted with a literally dead audience to showcase his occasional moments of wit to.

However, entertaining himself has also led to this bird of prey being particularly adept at strategy and mind games. Every interaction is approached with a few contingency plans brewing in his skull, and if any hint of deception catches his eye, he tries his best to discreetly prod intentions from an unsuspecting subject. During more daring and jovial moods, East might even toy with those he looks down upon as thoroughly immoral, playing them for fools. Quite a risky business, but he is compelled to reveal important truths when they are so brazenly hidden.

Likely To:
Eavesdrop, examine corpses, study Lesser behavior, attempt crafting items even though he's not the most dexterous of birds, investigate intriguing situations, keep tabs on activity in Orion, uncover or give information (for a price)

Commonly Found:
The South-West Quadrant, usually Orion, though his endeavors may take him elsewhere

Recent Events:
After the Deathmatches, East has faded away from the bloodthirsty crowds and into relative obscurity, leaving the event with a disappointing confirmation of the worst qualities Gembounds possess. Since Orion is the closest he has to a home base, this is where he's stuck around for the time being. Notably, in a significant divergence from his original habits, he's been avoiding visiting places that contain the remains of those who lived long before him. That is, up until the present situation: the old haunt of Tunnel J offers up a mystery in the form of a voice out of nowhere and a book with unintelligible contents.

Don't let the element icon fool you; Fahl believes himself to be a wielder of fire magic. That's what he's been told, and since no evidence yet has pointed to the contrary, that's the perspective he approaches life from. However that does not mean he's secure in his identity. Seeing as he has not yet produced an actual flame and at most superheated air, he has doubts about his progress. Combined with the slow speech mannerisms caused by his burdensome gemstone placement—the center of his tongue—implications of stupidity and ineptitude bother him the most.

Though not the most talkative unless sat across from someone patient enough to allow him plenty of time to express his thoughts, Fahl is usually an amiable enough individual. Quite image-conscious and a people-pleaser, he is most content when his actions garner praise and attention. Despite insecurities, a competitive streak exists as well and often emerges as a desire to see who's the best fisher, fighter, swimmer, mage, etc. An angry Fahl is one who feels his time is being wasted or is convinced he is being treated as a moron, whether intentional or not. Jealousy of more articulate Gembounds or annoyance at those more verbose might cause him to be snappish as well.

Likely To:
Practice magic, spar, show off, form loose friendships

Important Figures:
Imp- His teacher and fellow fire magic user, this batgator taught him a good deal of what he knows about the caves and, more recently, the basics of art. If you're a friend or relative of Imp's, Fahl will heed what you say far more than anyone else.

Nemean- He despises her for the harm she's done to Imp and others. Anyone fine with her deeds or outright approving of them are likely, too, to gain his ire.

Commonly Found:
The South-East Quadrant, particularly his home and birthplace Pisces

Recent Events:
After Nemean's imprisonment, Fahl has officially joined the Children of Rot, spurred by the need to improve himself in the face of increasing knowledge about the cave's powerful hierarchy. Although always striving to become a better mage, the satisfaction of helping Imp has made him a bit more secure in his capabilities for the time being.

What matters is the service you provide and how well you serve. As a Drone created to ensure the Hive's productivity and well-being, Halcyon lives primarily by this ideal. A polite and conscientious creature, one might inaccurately draw the conclusion that they are of a good nature. The actual fact of the matter is they value only Order's overthrowing of Chaos and the safety of the Hive. What actions must be taken to achieve this goal are not limited by any moral scruples. If cold logic dictates that brutality is the most effective and efficient method to employ, so will it be utilized. They are an executor of their Mother's will; failure to fulfill this purpose is not an option.

Likely To:
Undertake tasks other Hive members are emotionally or physically incapable of, cultivate and maintain Order's safe havens through the spread of its fungus, recruit if more personable Hive members are not readily available, develop new ways to ensure the Hive's survival, take up arms when Hive soldiers are not in the vicinity to defend their comrades.

Commonly Found:
Ursa, Gemini, Eridanus, and whatever tunnels and caves lay in between these.

Recent Events:
Since the public clash between the forces of Order and Chaos, Halcyon has been busy looking after the Hive's interests. After learning firsthand the dangers of magic, their main focus is learning the skills to protect themselves and others from the agonies Gembounds caught up in this conflict can inflict upon them. They've crafted a weapon for self-defense and are determining ways to best nurture the fungus in Order-infested caves. Now that their brethren's presence is known throughout the caverns, careful actions must be taken to maintain the foothold they've managed to secure here.

The first thing to make clear is that Karambit is a horrible, ugly, messy creature. It delights in tearing apart and scattering, or sometimes putting back together, carcasses. Where others might wretch at the sight and stench of blood and oil, it squeals while happily dipping its sickle claws in the filth. Like one might find a golden jewel-encrusted goblet beautiful, entrails arranged to form a striking portrait would be its idea of a master work of art. Most corpses it uses did not die of natural causes; those that did were fortunate, as the rest fell to the monstrosity's enthusiastic mauling.

The second thing is that while this is obviously a dangerous creature, naivety and goodwill are equally part of its personality. Love is a virtue it cherishes above all things—rather unfortunate that it is incapable of understanding how to properly express it. Such a positive concept is married to pain in its mind, and no one has managed to untangle the two. So simple of a being is Karambit that it doesn't even understand death, unaware that its affectionate bites and scratches usually lead to that sorry state. All it knows is that what it once dubbed as friend has stopped responding, and once hunger overtakes sentiment, eating is rationalized as preserving a beloved companion within itself.

Karambit is a family Gembound too, supportive to an uncomfortably clingy fault. Its siblings are just as much of its world as art, and it finds little inconvenience in tending to their needs or wants.

Likely To:
Grievously injure or kill, screech over art, be an obnoxious and steadfast friend (at your risk of course)

Important Figures:
Effluvium- Its parent that tried to eat it upon hatching. Naturally, Karambit does not interpret this event as awful filicide and took getting chomped on as a warm welcome to life.

Terror- The most intelligent of its siblings. Not to be trifled with.

Creosote- The sibling it considers a bit of an oddball due to the reluctance to hunt and hurt. This does not diminish its love for it. Deceased, but don't tell Karambit that. After all, how can Creo be gone if its head is still here?

Draconua Jr.- A gorgeous creature. Wherever did it come from? Woefully deceased, a love unfulfilled.

Commonly Found:
Leo, but if its family has been seen elsewhere, there is a possibility it might be present as well

Recent Events:
Karambit, incapable of understanding the concept of death, has taken to carrying around Creosote's head with it to many places. It is unwilling to abandon what remains of its sibling, continuing to communicate with them despite always receiving what it considers to be a very distressing cold shoulder.

What use are you to me?

This is the question that sums up Miriam. An individual wholly selfish and incapable of true concern for others' well-being, rarely does she ever bother interacting with her fellow Gembound unless personal benefit can be reaped from the encounter. Often, deeming most everybody her inferiors, she'd rather stay away from them, unimpressed and bored by their humdrum daily lives. Most of her attitude could be attributed to nature, born so cold and indifferent. Her arrogance, though, has been bolstered through experience, unacquainted with anyone as majestic as herself.

If one were to chance a talk with her, such terrible traits may not even occur to them. They may instead leave the conversation with an impression the complete opposite: friendly, eager, naïve, and not a hint of malice. This is because Miriam is no idiot despite her disdain; to obtain what she wants, cooperation is needed, and what better way than to convince those around her of good intentions that are nonexistent and a simple intellect that couldn't possibly concoct a scheme. In addition, fond of theatrics, she considers putting on such acts fun and derives poisonous glee from fooling those beneath her.

Rather superficial in tastes, Miriam values aesthetics above all else, and this is not only reflected in her performative behavior, but also the creative activities she pursues. A sculptress, she likes to capture in stone or wood the images of an exceptional few wandering the caves. Song and dance are sometimes pastimes of hers as well. Weaver of many a lie, white or worse, she could come to be decent playwright and put together a show worth watching if she learned the proper skills. All that is required is for opportunity to arrive and she will pounce, jaws snapping for the kill.

Likely To:
Charm, manipulate, carve likenesses, perform for an audience, laze about and soak up warmth from the cavern lights

Commonly Found:
Gemini, Tunnel L and F, Pegasus, and occasionally other locations in the North-East and West Quadrants

Recent Events:
Miriam has been frequenting Cepheus out of appreciation for the palace grounds' refinement. An interest in fashion ultimately influenced her to help replenish supplies for the tailor Mimosa, and the Tatzelwurm has received a fancy cloak in return for her contributions.

The easygoing type who likes to take his time sorting through thoughts and just as much time expressing them, it wouldn't be a surprise if Richter comes across as a Gembound more likely to settle down than stick his snout into every possible corner of the caves. However, that's exactly who he isn't. In fact, his life is a nomadic one. He enjoys taking in the sights of not just one place, but many, and the unexplored often harbor the most intriguing. Danger tends to be of little concern to him unless his neck is truly on the line; after all, what's an adventure without some risk? There's so many wonders around him, and he should spend his waking moments learning everything about them.

Likely To:
Try to befriend everyone he meets that is willing to talk to him, ponder the world at length, engage in friendly competition, help a stranger

Commonly Found:
Anywhere that isn't strictly off limits to an ordinary Gembound

Recent Events:
Richter's had a good time at the latest event in Orion. He's left the cave with a new Lesser friend, a walleye rabbit given the name Harvey. Hopefully, once they've properly bonded, he can have a traveling companion to share his eagerness with when no one else is around to hear him.