Shade

Shade is a perfect tiny little man

I feel like his appearance and mannerisms really put people off when they first meet him (and probably every time afterwards, let's be honest) and I totally understand that. He sort of creeped me out at first, too. But it's worth pointing out that he doesn't mean to really be like that. (Apologies if this turns into a rant)

First off, he's lonely. He's been alone for god knows how long, surrounded by sand pirates and all sorts of creatures that want nothing more than to kill and eat him. He attaches himself to the first person who doesn't threaten him immediately upon arriving in Oasis. While a bit off putting, it makes sense. He's probably unused to anyone being even the slightest bit friendly to him. The first thing someone says to him when you get to Oasis is "give us your water or we'll brutally murder you," basically. He just wants a friend.

Second - he's dehydrated. Disgustingly dehydrated. Symptoms of severe dehydration include

• irritability and confusion (in adults)
• Very dry mouth, skin and mucous membranes
• Extreme thirst
• Cracked lips
• In the most serious cases, delirium
• stiff joints, such as in the jaw, that might make closing the mouth impossible or very difficult/painful

I'm fairly sure, though I can't find the source at the moment, that another symptom is exposed teeth that are prone to cracking. From only looking at Shade, that seems to fit. When you speak with him for a little while, it hits the nail right on the head. He was probably an eccentric person beforehand, but choosing to stick around Oasis hasn't done him any good - physically or mentally.

That did turn into a bit of a rant, so apologies about that. I'm just passionate about my muses ;A;

I just sort of hang around places that look interesting and explore them and try to figure out as much as I can about them. Oasis, Wurmwater, and Hayter's Folly were (and still are) prime adventuring spots for me c:

Ahh good. I feel like a lot of people just sort of dismiss him as the weird creep who wants to hang out with you all the time and it just asdf I promise he's more than that!