Torium

Torium is an undead storyteller who finds the wounded Randalph Brigsiel in the Underground World. His knowledge, disguises, and local guidance let Randalph pass as undead, become lord of Pabrum, and enter the southern command. Torium ultimately stays behind with Jeff and thousands of soldiers to cover Randalph's escape from Makdalli; the supplied evidence does not confirm whether he survives that stand.

Biography

Storyteller, guide, and defender of the south

Torium and Jeff shelter Randalph after his arrival, feed him valuable Jellim, and answer his questions about the stopped world. A storyteller paid in Jellim branches, Torium is curious about the living stranger but shows no greed for his powerful swords. When Makdalli advances, Torium reveals the commanders' long war over the Hell Monarch's treasure and chooses to defend the southern home where he has lived for fifty years. His information gives Randalph the context needed to enter the war rather than search blindly for an exit. (Chapters 130–132)

Torium disguises Randalph as a violet undead, uses thunderbird blood to hide his heartbeat, and introduces him into Pabrum society. He recognizes Randalph's intention to become lord, proposes a nonlethal trial against the incumbent and influential undead, then becomes an aide after the victory. His reports, styling, bone accessories, and formal introduction help Randalph gain Oswen's attention as a southern hero. Torium later follows him through successful raids and investigates Oswen's gloves on command, translating local custom into the reputation and access Randalph needs. (Chapters 132–136)

When Makdalli's surprise offensive defeats the southern army, Torium and Jeff reach the exhausted Randalph with several thousand soldiers. Randalph takes the critically injured Oswen and orders them to hold the rear. Torium accepts despite being warned that he may not survive, says that as an undead he intends to escape becoming a mere skeleton, and promises to find Randalph once he rules the Underground World. Randalph departs while Torium remains against the pursuers; because the later cited passage only recalls his name, his death or survival is not established. (Chapters 136 and 138)

Appearance and personality

Torium is an undead man with the violet skin, absent hair, and fungal decay common to the local walking corpses. His face can darken with worry, brighten with determination, and show humour despite his dead condition. He is curious, talkative, resourceful, and proud of storytelling, yet his final choice shows loyalty and courage. His longing to feel the “wind” reflects an undead desire to fulfil a purpose and finally rest rather than continue indefinitely as a walking corpse. (Chapters 130–136)

Abilities and powers

Torium demonstrates no named combat or system skill. His specialties are practical craft and knowledge: he applies a sophisticated full-body disguise, knows that thunderbird blood suppresses bodily sound, creates bone accessories, understands local seals and etiquette, and can judge the story and image needed to persuade undead society. These abilities require prepared materials and regular maintenance; Randalph's disguise needs refreshing weekly, and sufficiently keen observation could penetrate it. (Chapters 130–135)

As an undead, Torium depends on Jellim to extend the usable life of his rotting body and has dulled ordinary needs and sensations. This condition makes him resilient enough to accept a likely fatal rear guard, but the corpus does not establish regeneration, rank, weapon mastery, or the outcome of his final fight. (Chapters 130–136)

Relationships

• Randalph Brigsiel: Torium shelters, disguises, advises, and publicly supports him, helping transform an injured outsider into lord and southern hero. He finally covers Randalph's escape and promises a reunion.
• Jeff: Torium's longtime companion contrasts his stories and crafts with Jeff's swordsmanship. They jointly care for Randalph and remain together in the rear guard.
• Oswen: Torium helps Randalph reach and impress the southern commander, then follows both through the campaign against Makdalli.
• Makdalli: His invasion threatens Torium's fifty-year home and ultimately places Torium in a last defensive stand of uncertain outcome.

Items

• Jellim: Torium earns and stores branches of the tree as food that extends an undead body's shelf life. It has no canonical item article.
• Thunderbird blood: A disguise material that suppresses the sounds of Randalph's living body. Its effect weakens when his heartbeat becomes extreme; it has no canonical item article.
• Disguise kit: Brushes, pigments, seals, and other materials Torium uses to make Randalph resemble an undead. No canonical item article exists.