Protinel {P-ro-te-y-n-aa-ll

"Mount Valor, the celestial realm of heroes, warriors and champions of causes far and plentiful, is the the home of many a unique and strange celestial creature. This is of course not unsurprising and right in line with celestial entities in general. Amongst those of Mount Valor though, one of the most well known indirectly is likely the humble Protinel. This strange creature, manifesting in the material realm as a shield shaped stone and metal entity of sorts, is known for its extreme protective nature. Stories exist of lives saved, of the faithful being shielded in their most dire moments by a humble Protinel, and though religious texts should never be taken as a primary source, after extensive studies I must say that I understand such tales and scripture passages entirely. In the opinion of this humble scholar, I would be far from surprised were some of these to be accurate depictions of such a creature."

Markus Laflarin, Scholar and Theologian, Master in Theological Studies,

Basic Information

Anatomy

Upon the material realm, which is the most beneficial basis for such discussions for most average readers, a Protinel takes the shape of a heater style shield, its torso seeming of iron or steel. This 'shield' will not be uniform in coloration, but show markings, a sigil or symbol of some bygone age, a coat of arms or heraldry perhaps. The colors will not be strong, seeming somewhat muted amongst the dull iron grey backdrop but they will be present. Others still show signs of scratching, cracks, or even what seem to be permanently rusted and damp parts or somewhat melted and scorched parts.

Genetics and Reproduction

Mount Valor is said to be a place of heroes. Due to their stout nature, but lack of clarity on their individuality besides these dulled color palettes which remain of what one might assume were heraldry, the assumed origin of Protinels is thusly stated in many a text both theological and scientific.

"It would seem the creatures we call Protinels, which is also what they call themselves, are perhaps failed heroes and champions. Souls of those with the best and brightest of intentions, but whom ultimately did not find those intentions getting to become reality. Perhaps they died trying, were not prepared or could not stand against the challenge before them, regardless of their intentions."

However other reports indicate a broader potential pool of souls whom become Protinel, the most common family of creatures upon Mount Valor by far. Some stories exist of others of their kind showing no colorful heraldry like patterns, but instead scuffs, cracks, or even scorching and semi melted regions of the 'metal' that is their torso, or feeling damp to the touch. The theory here is instead of heroes or want to be Exemplari whom failed, or soldiers or that ilk, these Protinel were common folk. Regular people whom worshipped Sir Kartheart the most of any of the Nine Ascended, and died in a moment of true selfless bravery. Running into a burning building trying to save as many people as they could, drowning or dying of exposure trying (or succeeding) in saving someone who's fallen through the ice or into a fast flowing river, these sorts of things.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Protinel are interesting creatures, seeming to possess a steely courage. This perhaps has quite literal consequences. Upon the material realm these creatures can only subsist of metallic minerals, preferably pure, unworked ore. Iron seems the common favorite, though they will not shy away from metallics such as copper or silver. Gold they will shy away from with noted assertiveness, seeming unwilling to consume this 'wealthy' mineral, perhaps a leftover remnant of principles tied to the idea that heroes and heroic actions shouldn't need a price attached. Sort of a very real physical manifestation of that principle.

Behaviour

Protinel are protective and heavily loyal, and given they are intelligent and sapient, they can be fully conversed with. They have a strict code of honor and valor, and will happily put themselves in harm's way to defend their allies or any innocent bystander, in particular children. They are protective by nature. The natural shield shape of the torso of Protinels combined with this natural behavior lend themselves to the idea that they are a basic embodiment of the moniker for Sir Kartheart's faithful on the Material Realm, that being the Shields of Suranth.

Protinel Base Stat Sheet

Scientific Name

Celestias Valor Bulwari

Lifespan

Unknown

Average Height

88-96 cms (2'10"-3'1")

Average Weight

Notably hefty, seeming not just to be of a solid mass that is visible, but almost as if their is an entire boulder or large stone behind the shield, though none is ever visible. When manifested on the Material Realm, Protinel can weigh anywhere between 77-90 kgs (170-200 lbs).