Swordwhale Walking: Illustration, stories, photojourneys, videos

Reeks to be a teenager for decades (at least he's not a vampire; he'd be stuck at 17 forever), Elven teen Zan looks like a 14 year old, but has been around a few decades longer than that (he remembers Leave it to Beaver, Gunsmoke, and the original Star Trek). Has random skills in swordplay, archery, and creating believable illusions (minus the sound effects). Fries computers and other electronics if he forgets to shield. Loves animals and, like most Elves, can communicate with them. Has read Lord of the Rings 52 times.

Swordfish Clan, teen (about a century and a half old), sometime underwater filmaker, likes Ben and Jerry's ice Cream (Chunkey Monkey). The swordfish tail does not shapeshift into legs when he's on land, so he must use a wheelchair. He also uses illusions to disguise his true appearance (fins and steel grey skin).

Fourteen, avid cowgirl from "Pennsyltucky" (she's lived in both places). Teams with Morgan, Tas and others on Chincoteague Island. Family is Deaf, she lives in both worlds: Hearing and Deaf. Short, but mighty, likes basketball, wilderness, mountains, Jeeps, and Harleys.

Short, stout, immensely strong (like all Dwarves) she helps her dad "Doc" fix and create new technology. She has advanced from the Age of Steam to the Age of Electronics. They've got some new stuff in the works that will solve many energy issues. She bakes killer brownies that will sustain you on the most arduous journey. She hates boats.

Not Corn, Beans and Squash, but the Three Grandmothers of Hawk Circle Farm; Delphi (Grandmother Possum), Aura (Grandmother Vulture), and Cora (Grandmother Crow). They are the recyclers of Nature, and of Hawk Circle. If they hand you the keys to their storage shed, you might find anything from a magic sword to a broken cup (...that becomes a battleship).

The Fourth Sister. Picture Crouching Tiger's Michelle Yohe... with golden eyes and too many teeth. One of the Guardians of Hawk Circle.

Bran has sailed on a multitude of ships from Viking age to modern historic-reproduction sail training vessels. His favorites have been the "schooners, pilot boat built" or "sharp built schooners" of the War of 1812, known, years later, as Baltimore Clippers, for their port of origin, and their speed and agility. He's sailed on: The Silver Raven (a true Baltimore built clipper), The Black Mare (not a ship of wood and hemp, but a shapeshifter; one of Mannanan's Horses), and The Roane (a Celtic word meaning selkie, or seal shapeshifter, this ship incorporates technology from several centuries). "Sea wolves" had letters of marque and commandeered enemy ships and goods. "Flyers" ran blockades with their own goods to sell in friendly ports.

Tas (Tashunka was the name she used back in the 19th century, walking among the Lakota) is a Pooka, a shapeshifter most often appearing as a horse or canine. Retrains "problem horses and dogs" by retraining problem humans. You want her on YOUR side in a fight. Loves chocolate, Ben and Jerry's ice cream, and action films.

Brannan (Bran) Hrafenson ("Raven's son"), Elvish shapeshifter (Clan Ravenkin) and human buddy team member Ian Greenleaf; saving the world from the Hordes of Doom...or just educating the next generation about caring for the planet.

In biology, ravens and wolves have a partnership: ravens (keen vision, flight) lead wolves (speed, endurance, strength) to potential prey, then share the kill. In mythology, from Norse to Northwest Coast, they are also closely associated.

Bran: pilot, educator, skilled swordsman, collector of comics and action figures. Likes any kind of junk food except Cheetos. Can mimic any sound effect (does great imitation of Yoda, Chewie, and Orlando Bloom). Don't let him near your electronics (computers, cell phones...) like all Elves, he channels energy in wierd ways and fries tech.

Ian: copilot, educator, skilled martial artist, musher (with two Malamutes: Keet and Skana), webcomic artist, hates junk food. Wanted to be a Jedi when he was a kid.

He found his way through a Dragongate, seeking help to save his island from hordes of Unseelie leaking out of a rift crated by one of his own people. Kai and his band eventually return to Hawk Circle to stay, and teach the "Secondborn"... humans.

Wicked cool swordsman, archer, loves books, video games, movies. He doesn't fit well in theaters, even in disguise.

One of the Guardians of Hawk Circle: he appears most of the time, to be a short, stout, fuzzy black and white tobiano pinto Shetland Pony. Looks are decieving. YAWA as pony (above) repainted Schleich model...YAWA as himself (below) Vicki Wyman original sculpture (I traded some art for "make me a unique unicorn").