Rufus

Just a silly snake guy!

Rufus is a variant of the Giant species, though his specific species is unknown to him and to others who know him. He is currently a member of The Overgrowth, with his previous home being deep in the caves. His home is located Northeast of the Overgrowth in a homemade cave uncomfortably close to The Pit. He's just a silly guy looking for companionship and knowledge of all sorts about his newfound home.

## Appearance

Rufus appears to be a half-giant/human, half-snake creature that stands around 12ft(or 3.6 m) when not extending from his tail and his overall 'length' from head to tail-tip is around 24ft(or 7.3m). His hair is an off-white green that always looks like bed hair, and has green snake-shaped eyes.

His physique is that of a large Olympic wrestler, a mix of muscle and fat he's obtained from surviving down in the caves. Green scales are prominent across his face, back, and hands, and Rufus' nails are non-retractable claws that he files down daily due to non-use. His snake-like features are (extremely) loosely based off of a Green Anaconda.

Another part of his snake features is that of three small heat pits under his eyes, hidden well by the scales there. His mouth/face can also deform itself into a giant maw, complete with an unhinged jaw. Rufus tries not to let anyone see that part of himself, though he cannot help himself when overcome with a yawn.

While built like an apex predator, Rufus' overall demeanor is that of an excited lapdog that is barely holding himself together from crushing someone into a hug. He tries to put himself out as nonthreatening as possible, but is rather hard to do when intimidation comes with height.

## Personality

Rufus is like a lapdog but would probably crush someone if he put his entire weight onto them. He's easily excitable, prone to getting distracted by the most simplest of things. Everything that relates to the surface is new to him, thus he takes great pleasure in learning even about the mundane.

That leaves him to be a bit naive and well...dumb when it comes to common sense. However, Rufus is quick to learn and even tries to write down all the things he learns in order to adapt to his new home!

And adaption is great for coping with how insecure Rufus feels about people's reactions to him. He tries not to show it, but he can't help but feel disappointment in himself when people avoid/run away from him. It's not Rufus' fault for being so big! And having sharp teeth! And needing to eat meat!

People shouldn't be afraid of him. Not even when he gets a little hungry.

## Backstory

Not much is known about Rufus' early years, with Rufus barely able to recollect memories of the past. All he remembers was being born alone in his cave, where all that mattered to him was surviving the harsh environment even a pretty place like a lush cave could be.

Around ten years ago, Rufus was found by the mysterious Dr. Fergus, a scholar from the faraway town of Rosecliff.

Dr. Fergus took to taking care of Rufus, teaching him to read, write, and speak. He gave Rufus a plethra of knowledge to use, the knowledge that there was a whole world outside of his tiny little cave. Yet, Dr. Fergus held back from telling him too much about the surface and it's inhabitants. It was always in ways to survive Rufus was taught; what enchantments would be better suited for him, and how to prepare himself for the surface with examinations on his health frequently.

## Main Storylines

### The Sporing of The Overgrowth

Rufus was the first victim of the mind-control fungus that was released into the Overgrowth via Hyphae.