Cast out as an infant.
Unwanted by his family.
Destined to be the downfall of his own people.
Could you keep your head up and be strong when those around you rejected your existence?
Few could.
Born as Daxänu [dax-AHN-oo], which means ‘unsolvable problem’, the child had no idea of the incredible life he would lead, or how his actions over time would significantly influence the world around him.
Carried by a giant eagle across the Tilliman Highlands and deep into the Andle Forest, the bird landed at the remote cottage of Chuck (a.k.a. Morphiophelius Smith).
Snatching the note from the basket, Chuck scoffed, offended by the name imprinted upon the paper. The mägo knew what it felt like to be misunderstood by those around him. Of the pain one feels from being scorned, mocked, spat upon and rejected.
…and there was no way he would allow such pain to fall upon a child unchallenged.
Daxänu was renamed ‘Dax’ (solution).
Adopted by a Loving Psychopath
Dax had a fierce protector in Chuck, who raised him as his own. As Dax grew, the mägo taught him to be rough, tough, and emotionally independent.
Dax proved to be a child without fear, intense, blunt, bold, and with a curiosity near impossible to contain. That, coupled with his extraordinary resistance to pain, injury and a heightened healing capability unlike anything the mägo had seen before, danger became the child’s constant companion.
Can you milk a grizzly bear?
Dax wanted to know.
Did fish taste better once it rot in the sun for a week, mixed with ripe bananas?
Dax ingested it.
Would it taste even better being left outside until it grew fur?
Dax ingested it again.
Could you actually snowboard on top of an avalanche and survive?
Apparently you can, IF you’re quick enough.
Exposure to Other Cultures
When the teen became more than the old wizard could manage, Chuck moved The Cottage to the one society known to embrace other cultures: the famed city of Erimuri (otherwise known as Sanctuary ).
Dax was introduced to the Iskari High Council who greeted him with open fascination. It was quite the event—the Iskari people being a blue-skinned race, welcoming Dax, who had a deep green sheen to his own.
Yet wherever he traveled throughout Erimuri, Dax was welcomed with open arms.
Better Than Minimum Wage
As he grew older, Dax displayed signs of a latent talent for the arcane and an ability to understand and recall certain magic, difficult for even the most seasoned of mägo. This prompted Chuck to school him in the fundamentals of magic , symbolism and understanding the balance of the world around him.
This training helped him form stronger (and expanded) control over his teleporting abilities, eventually breaking free from the binds of his environment. With his newfound abilities and earned trust, Dax was officially employed by the Iskari High Council as a formal steward and messenger of the people.
It was an honor he would cherish for more than 200 years.
During this time, Dax traveled with Chuck on various adventures (see Jaime Buckley‘s “Adventures of Chuck & Dax “ series), only returning to perform his duties as a messenger from time to time. Traveling with the famous mägo not only gained him a considerable reputation among the races, but it also strengthened his already considerable skills in combat.
Going Rogue
Rumors whispered through the years of Dax enlisting as a mercenary. Others say he traveled the world, seeking reputation or more accurately, solitude.
Chuck has confirmed a combination of both.
“What does a parent do when their child comes to you, hurt and confused, asking, ‘Do I matter?’
“Mahan’s Pink Panties, how do you ANSWER a question like that?
“It’s then that you have to look at yourself and wonder if you’ve loved enough, accepted enough and instilled the principle of intrinsic value in the heart of your child…”
In the end, Dax turned his heart to those who had accepted him. Taking up residence once more among the Iskari (at the suggestion of Chuck), Dax offered his services as a messenger, a position he’d often missed. Accepting dangerous assignments from the Iskari High Council , he labored in return for his citizenship among the blue-skinned populace.
No longer bound by the powers of the Prime Gate‘s , Dax could travel at will…and did so frequently.
Present Day
For more than a hundred years of dedication and unwavering loyalty in the face of certain peril The High Elder bestowed the title of Guardian upon Dax…to be the protector of Wendell P. Dipmier for the duration of the human’s stay upon their world.
Can you milk a grizzly bear??? Why do I feel like my kids would try to find out? 🤣