Melthrax

Return to Rivercrest

May I Have Your Name?

Sweet Dreams

Wolf Island

Spirit Library

Ironface Mystery

Rhogar's Return

Echoing Thunder

In Felurian's Arms

The Wild Hunt

A Cold Reception

Two Betrayals

Dad, I'm Home! (via sending stone)

Melthrax is a warforged barbarian and a member of the Wish's Chosen. Originally part of the armies of the Aceralian Theocracy, Melthrax was abandoned by his regiment due to a fault in his animating lodestone and found by Isla Clearstone, who joined the party in an attempt to find out more about him. Eventually, Melthrax was reawakened by Sturgis, who discovered his cracked lodestone meant the warforged was perpetually close to death. Nevertheless, Melthrax quickly formed a strong bond with Isla and Rhogar, coming to regard them as his mother and father, respectively. Melthrax then joined the Wish's Chosen, proving himself one of the mightiest of the party's warriors despite his faulty condition. Through the party's many adventures, Melthrax has proven his loyalty time and again, but it remains to be seen whether or not his condition will continue to deteriorate. Melthrax debuted alongside Isla in the episode "A Druid and Her Egg," though he did not emerge from sentry mode until "Wizard's Tower."

## Description and Personality

Thanks to his mechanical physique, Melthrax is a terrifying combatant. Designed for war, he is made of thick plate armor and equipped with a massive, two-handed warhammer. Perhaps the most dangerous combatant of any of the Wish's Chosen, Melthrax's might lies in his strength and tirelessness. Though Kleitos may surpass him in skill and Rhogar benefits from his divinely-granted abilities, Melthrax, powered by magic and lacking the inherent weaknesses of other mortals, can endure hours of combat without succumbing to exhaustion. This, combined with his sheer strength and aggression, makes him a force to be reckoned with. His only real weakness comes from his cracked lodestone core, a condition which has gradually worsened and which significantly weakens him over time.

Melthrax stands at around 6'10" and weighs 318 pounds. Like all warforged, he is made of a steel alloy powered by a lodestone core. As such, Melthrax is incapable of forming facial expressions. His eyes glow blue under normal circumstances, switching to a harsh red in battle. Melthrax is broad-shouldered and well-proportioned to optimize his combat efficiency, His "skin," being metallic, is a silver-grey, and as a result of his body being made of armor, Melthrax wears no clothes.

Despite his fearsome appearance, however, Melthrax is quite childlike in many respects. He was only granted full sentience a short time ago; as such, his understanding of the world around him is still being shaped. He has a tendency to take things literally, best illustrated in his belief that Rhogar and Isla are his actual, biological parents. He is almost incapable of reading social cues, and he often fails to comprehend basic information other members of the party take for granted. That said, Melthrax is also ferociously loyal to the party, and surprisingly intelligent despite his limitations. His unquestioning loyalty and willingness to help make him a valuable addition to the party.

## Relationships

### Rhogar

Melthrax and Rhogar have been close since the former's introduction. Rhogar's simple view of the world meshes well with Melthrax's naiveté, and his lack of intelligence means Rhogar accepted Melthrax's view of him as an actual biological father without question. The two have never had any substantial conflict; Melthrax tends to follow Rhogar's lead on most issues. Even when Melthrax departed with Isla and Kaltoka to retake Makitau, he and Rhogar remained on good terms, expressing hope that he would one day see his "father" again.

### Isla Clearstone

As with Rhogar, Melthrax has an extremely close relationship with Isla Clearstone. Thanks to the role she played in helping him emerge from sentry mode, Melthrax quickly came to see her as an actual, biological mother. This view lent itself to a strong sense of loyalty and obligation; Melthrax is more than willing to risk his own destruction to ensure Isla's safety. This is best illustrated in his decision to accompany her to Makitau with Kaltoka. Of all the party members, Isla would accept only Melthrax's help in this endeavor.

### Kleitos the Black

Melthrac and Kleitos the Black are on relatively friendly terms with each other. Each respects the other's combat abilities, though Melthrax, lacking the basic emotional intelligence of most of the party, doesn't fully know what to make of the aloof warrior. That said, they train together often, with Kleitos' speed and skill serving as an excellent counter to Melthrax's strength and endurance, and the two parted on good terms when Melthrax decided to accompany Isla and Kaltoka to Makitau.

### Arlo Bilberry

Melthrax has a decidedly protective attitude towards Arlo Bilberry. The halfling's small stature and lack of combat ability makes him vulnerable in Melthrax's eyes; as seen in "The Wild Hunt," Melthrax will go so far as to allow Arlo to ride his shoulders to escape danger. The two exchanged friendly words upon Melthrax's departure from the party, indicating that each has at least some affection for the other.

### Felix Summerthorn

Melthrax rarely interacts with Felix Summerthorn; their most notable interaction took place on Maclilcan, when Melthrax expressed concern as Felix became intoxicated. It can be assumed that the two have a neutral relationship based on the lack of any conflict between them.

### Void

Melthrax and Void have a reasonably friendly relationship. However, given Melthrax's lack of emotional intelligence and Void's withdrawn nature, the two have rarely had any meaningful interactions. Given Void's apparent sadness at Melthrax's departure, however, it can be assumed that the two were on friendly terms, and that Void will be happy to see Melthrax return with Isla if they succeed in their mission.

### Thagnos Firebrand

Melthrax had little time to get to know Thagnos Firebrand, but the two had begun developing friendly relations before Melthrax's departure. Thagnos has a deeper understanding of Melthrax's magical nature than the rest of the party, and Melthrax seemed to appreciate Thagnos' efforts to help disguise him just before his departure for Makitau. The two parted on amiable terms, with Thagnos telling Melthrax to "take care of [him]self" before parting ways.

### Tharçival

Melthrax and Tharçival had a decent relationship during the time they spent together, but with Tharçival's departure to the Shadowfell, they have not interacted for some time. Their current relationship status is unknown.

### Sturgis

Melthrax was something of an anomaly to Sturgis for his seeming sentience and childlike nature, and the two spent some time conversing before parting ways. It would be wrong to refer to them as "friends," but they certainly have a solid relationship, and Melthrax's connection to Sturgis might be crucial in securing his support as an ally in the future.

### Kaltoka

Melthax took his cues from Rhogar by denigrating Kaltoka for his cowardice and selfishness. That said, the warforged has no real ill will towards his "uncle," so it's possible the two will grow closer during their time in Makitau.

## Equipment

* Two-handed warhammer
* Bladed gauntlets (a gift from Kleitos)
* Cracked lodestone core (functions as a heart)

## Trivia

* Melthrax was, until the introduction of Thagnos, the newest addition to the Wish's Chosen.
* Melthrax, unlike the other warforged seen thus far, is sentient and able to switch between attack mode, when his eyes glow red, and a default setting, when his eyes remain blue.
* Melthrax was originally intended to die in "Wizard's Tower." However, due to his unexpected popularity with the fans, it was decided that he should survive, and he has remained a fan favorite ever since.
* Melthrax is generally regarded as the youngest member of the party. However, given his status as an immortal warforged, his actual age is unknown. It is possible he is older even than Rhogar.
* Melthrax cannot swim.
* Melthrax is likely the strongest member of the Wish's Chosen, beating out Rhogar and Kleitos at second and third, respectively.
* Aside from Thagnos, Melthrax has had the fewest appearances of any member of the party.
* Melthrax is one of only two party members to fight with a two-handed weapon, the other being Kleitos the Black.