Lumph is the Wildcard defensive champion…
or at least he was five years ago when his Aura Shield made it nearly impossible for team Chronos to score against team Lubabub. Lumph was so often cited as the reason that Lubabub took the championship that he believes it and is convinced he’s a superstar and that no one compares to him in terms of defense. Lumph loves stinky food, stinky smells, and mud. He especially loves eating old lettuce and worms. Unfortunately, unlike Gorrit who’s been training for years, Lumph is so convinced that no one can match his defensive skill that he’s gained a lot of weight and lost a lot of muscle but he hasn’t noticed that at all. He’s still convinced that he doesn’t need to train because his signature move, Aura Shield, is still the best move around! He may have a rude awakening on Frostburn…
An explosive force on the field, with her trademark cannonball move, Janz is a big part of the Chronos offensive line.
Janz is seen as the star of her team, and is willing to do whatever it takes to stay that way. Despite her size and power, she’s remarkably sneaky, and loves to observe other creatures from a distance, getting to know them, so she can analyze them and beat them. Sometimes, she even studies her own teammates. This makes her Locke’s go to “scout” in reconnoitering Bolgar’s team. Of course, she might do more than scout for Locke. And it was King Valla who did her last upgrade...
A fan favorite and the leading creature player for the Lubabub team, Gorrit is a serious athlete.
He’s the main offense for the Lubabubian team and like all superstars, he’s in great shape. Born in the high forests of Lubabub, he has trained from birth for victory. He eats THOUSANDS of calories a day but because there is no “junk food” in the Lubabubian jungle, he’s very healthy. (Hopefully, he won’t get a taste for junk food on Frostburn!) Although Gorrit was depressed when Bolgar withdrew from playing Wildcard, he kept at his training. His huge body needs three beds and hotel rooms often need to be expanded for him.
THE GOODEST GUARD DOG IN WILDCARD HISTORY.
An original favorite in King Valla’s game retinue, Wotchy has been fiercely protecting his Champion since his first day in the arena. Now after many seasons as Locke’s faithful companion, Wotchy is all too ready to step up and serve his team as a full fledged Summon. Besides, Locke needs to spend some time whipping that new pup, Volt, into fighting shape. Wotchy’s ready to prove his good boi bone-a fides - and show his teammates the true meaning of loyalty.
WHO YA CALLIN' CRUSTY?
Volcrab knows he can get a bit too heated - but that never stops him. He’s a caustic crustacean bent on Wildcard domination, and he’ll burn every bridge to get to the top. His explosive gameplay is matched by his scorched-earth trash-talking tactics, but Volcrab always leaves it all on the floor. (With all the lava, of course.) His dedicated fans - the VolClub - admire not only his fearsome firepower, but also his willingness to extend a claw to help raise up the next generation of competitive crabs.
Fendor is a robotic replica of Lumph.
Realizing Lumph was a nearly unbeatable defensive lineman in the last Wildcard games, Locke decided to make his own, better, version. Locke had to add his signature to Fendor, though, and gave him a big boost of personality – lovability and studiousness. This accidentally resulted in Fendor becoming Lumph’s biggest fanboy. He’s spent his existence studying Lumph and all his games, all his moves, all his big moments -- Fendor just LOVES Lumph! He has his poster on his wall, buys all his memorabilia, and just can’t wait to meet his hero in real life and assumes Lumph wants to meet him too.
Spord is a mushroom from the forests of Lubabub.
He has the unique ability to clone himself, but each clone ultimately develops a unique personality, sometimes even personalities that disagree with each other. A patriotic Lubabubian, he’s a utility player on the field, having been picked to fill space on the team, and fill space he did! If given time, he can clone so many versions of himself that he can overwhelm any defense. Five years ago during Bolgar and Locke’s first Wildcard battle, Spord Spud was discovered obscuring Locke’s defense cannon. Spord was subsequently suspended from the Wildcard Games. But he’s served his time, and when Bolgar came back, he brought Spord with him. Still, Spord has a chip on his shoulder: he’s adamant he did not sabotage Locke’s turrets and even though he’s back on the team, he still feels overlooked by Bolgar. Spord thinks he’s a really important player, but is jealous that other more “indivisible” players get all the limelight and attention. Even though everyone gives Lumph credit as the defensive hero who prevented Locke from winning all those years ago, Spord believes it was him and his clones on the field who let Lumph shine. Spord feels overlooked… and just might act out.
Timing isn't everything - It's the only thing.
Created by her beloved bestie Princess Neva, Skye is quickly becoming Wildcard’s favorite busy-botty. She’s keeping an eye on the action - and her team on the move. This helicopter mom boosts the speed of her teammates as she hovers nearby. Skye’s enthusiasm is infectious but her impatient nature keeps her a bit uptight. But don’t worry, she still knows how to cut loose - she’s got a part-time gig as a metronome for a speed metal band.
When she gets in the zone, don’t get in her way.
Soaring and scorching over the arena floor, Pyrokeet brings the heat - and she’s always got something new to drop. A bird-of-all-trades who’s constantly reinventing herself, Pyrokeet is a true artist who knows that sometimes you have to burn it all down to build it back up again. Her frequent rebirth continues to dazzle her admirers- Pyrokeet’s only constant is change, after all. She’s always hatching her next plan - and she knows we’re all ready to watch the fireworks.
Rumors of a mythological creature on Lubabub are true.
Much like the Yeti or Sasquatch on Earth, the Aloe have kept themselves hidden from outsiders. Deeply spiritual, they live separately from the other Lubabubians high in the mountain rainforests where humans and other creatures can’t reach them. Once, when Burr had been caught in a trap and was in danger of bleeding to death, Bolgar dipped his hands into the shallow waters of a forest lake and prayed to the spirit of the planet itself… out of the mist walked Aloe. She saved Burr’s life but made Bolgar promise never to speak of her or her species. Bolgar kept her secret for years. But when Bolgar decided to face Locke again, he journeyed far and wide in pursuit of Aloe. He needed a surprise when he faced the Chronos champion. When he arrived at the fabled Aloe homeland, the Aloe debated whether or not to intervene in the affairs of Lubabub – and their society ultimately voted to ignore Bolgar’s request. But this didn’t sit right with his old friend. She left her swampy homeland, against the ruling of her people, to aid Bolgar in his conflict with Locke. No one but Bolgar knows about her species' secret magical power... a power Boglar insists must stay a secret until game day. Aloe comes across as aloof and superior, but really doesn’t understand the complex world of Jot Rustin, Locke, and Frostburn and doesn’t particularly want to! She’s there to do her job and isn’t interested in anything else.
Grrrrrrrrmph.
Whenever Grumph gets on a roll, there’s no stopping him - but his bad vibes are highly contagious. Don’t worry if he’s not too talkative - that’s how you know he doesn’t like you. Or anyone. Ever. No one really enjoys having Grumph on the team, but the energy he brings to the arena floor more than makes up for how hard he is to live with. But don’t ask him to change - and, really, don’t ask him anything, because he’s unlikely to answer you with more than a grunt and an eyeroll anyway. He’s always got a chipped tooth or two - he bites WAY too hard - and he holds the record for highest recorded blood pressure of any Umph - and that’s just on a normal Tuesday.
Stay Dizzy!
This Manic Pixie Dream Bird is always ready to take a spin in the arena. Beakit’s energy and attention may be all over the place, but her Boomerang Beak goes exactly where she wants it to. Don’t bother her while she’s having her beak sharpened, though - that’s her ‘me time’.
HE'LL BRING YOUR EGO DOWN A CHONK.
Chonk’s got size. Chonk’s got swagger. But Chonk’s greatest skill may just be his sense of humor. This absolute unit might look like target practice, but when all eyes are on Chonk, his teammates take advantage. He’s one part drama queen, one part class clown, and always the life of the party. If only he could nail down his signature catchphrase - of course, it doesn't help that he won’t stop coming up with new options. After all, Chonk’s always gotta keep ‘em guessing!
NEAR? FAR? WHEREVER THE ENEMIES ARE, ZIPZAP’S GONNA CAUSE A RUCKUS.
This all-around fighter is ready to hit from any distance - and isn’t gonna let anyone off the hook. He’s focused, direct, and never sugarcoats his opinions - so his critiques have more than a little sting. But his dedication to the game is unquestionable, and he’s always ready to step up and tussle. That is, unless it interferes with drum practice - Zipzap is VERY serious about his speed metal band.
Say lessss.
Burnout was built to be a fearsome opponent - created in the Summons shop at Malus Motors, she was the last surviving prototype after several experimental versions of the firesnek model were accidentally left in the same staging area overnight. No one with any sense willingly crosses paths with Burnout: she never backs down from a challenge, and she refuses to be upstaged. She’s not quite so ruthless with other species/models, but she still revels in intimidation and ferocity. She mostly keeps to herself, but when she does decide to speak up, her dry wit and withering put-downs are legendary - she’s always leaving scorched earth in her wake.
DROP IT LIKE IT'S HOT
There’s nothing spontaneous about Lavadrop’s combustion - he’s always ready to fling some flames onto the arena floor. Everyone notices when Lavadrop plops into the action - and you better believe they know to watch out for that not-so-friendly fire! A notorious accomplice to all sorts of risky fun, Lavadrop also has a practical side - his side-hustle selling the magma stones he spews has sparked a hot new jewelry trend. His team spirit always shines through - and the steam sauna he powers only adds to his team’s esteem.
Everyone smiles when they see Vitadrop - friends and foes.
It happens like this: the little drop’s target gets a whiff of fresh popcorn, feels a little tickle, and poof! Taken out by the green grinning gelatin. And what’s left behind? A lovely spot of healing for Vitadrop’s teammates to enjoy. Earnest to almost a cringey degree, there’s no one better than Vitadrop at spreading joy, positivity, and the slightest trace of slime wherever they land.
Well, sure, time flies - but there’s always time for fun.
Chronodrop knows how to drop in and help their friends on the arena floor - and never hesitates to slow their foes into ridiculous positions. A fast talker and a fast friend, Chronodrop is wildly personable and surprisingly funny - after all, they’ve got great timing. But practicing temporal manipulation can also lead to racing thoughts - luckily Chronodrop spends most of their time thinking about how to help their team win at Wildcard!
Life is never boring when you’re ready to drop a bomb.
Punk baddie Shortfuse is a ringleader - and it’s always time for the circus. She’s an instigator, a troublemaker, and she’s never met a pot she didn’t stir. Shortfuse’s always starting something - and she always knows when to throw something new into the mix. Which to her mind is always a good thing - she tends to get restless when the action dies down, and she lives to be entertained. Her dares are legendary, and her approval is doled out sparingly. But no matter what, she keeps a careful eye out for her fellow Punks - after all, she’s the dance captain for the Punk musicals during Wildcard’s off-season.
Drop dead reckoning.
When you hear the sound of her chainsaw, it’s too late to run - D.F.A. (Death From Above) is the Punk diva of destruction. She tends to take everything personally - and her preferred therapy is processing all those feelings on the arena floor. D.F.A.’s emotional gameplay is pure operatic spectacle - a soaring aria of plummeting pain followed by a melodramatic death scene. She has very insistent opinions, very specific ideas, and knows exactly what she wants when she wants it - but those wants are always changing. However, her volatility is matched by her dedication to her craft - she zeroes in and delivers exactly where she can do the most damage. D.F.A.’s motto? Hit them with your best shot - and make sure no one saw you coming.
Grab the Game by the Horns.
Don’t be fooled by the wild and formidable Hornelius - his horns may be elaborate, but his strategy is simple. Summon in the way? Toss it. Summon not in the way? Toss it just to be sure. Hornelius isn’t afraid to make a mess of his opponents - and his table manners aren’t great, either. While this soft-hearted hothead may occasionally lose his cool, his masterful moss-sculptures tend to be a welcome peace offering. (apology gift?)
THEY BRING THE BA-DA-BOOM!
They're the feral kids in the Wildcard neighborhood - and these best buds aim to knock out anything that stands in their way. Forcing goalies to flinch and goals to fall is the purest joy those Badaboom baddies ever experience - and once they deliver, they’re just out to spread mayhem. No one likes to tangle with Their Annoyal Badness, but audiences flock to their sold-out theatre productions in the Wildcard off-season - those Punk Players really know how to put on a show!
Sembler is a kid at heart and spends his time creating friends to play with.
In the arena, he can pump out additional summons over time unless, of course, something scary is coming after him in which case he flees!
WATCH OUT, FIRE IN THE SHELL!
Shellshock may be stubbornly resistant to change for himself, but he's always ready to blow things up for his opponents. His long-range missiles are a savvy strategic asset for his team, and he certainly knows his worth in the arena. While Shellshock may be a bit stand-offish and hard to get to know, just get him talking about his extensive solo travel - it's easy to backpack around the universe when your back IS your pack.
Slow and steady wins the race.
Slowclaw isn't in a hurry, but that's probably because she hits like a tank! She doesn't have the most defense, so be sure to give her some support.
POLISHED, POISED, AND RUTHLESS.
This clever kitty has some ferocious claws - and he's always looking to slice and dice his opponent on the arena floor. His pounce never fails to take his prey by surprise, so try not to scurry into Razorpaw's sight line.. He's fast, sleek, and sophisticated, and he never goes anywhere without a truly stupendous amount of luggage. Just don't expect him to volunteer for any team tasks - he'll go last, thanks. After all, he just got settled in a cozy sunny spot.
They're here, they're there, they're every-punkin-where.
A CHORUS OF MAYHEM. This squad of Punks is cheap, aggressive, and disposable - just don't say that to their faces. Chaos, self destruction, and a hint of brattiness waft through the air whenever they descend on their unsuspecting opponents - havoc WILL be wreaked. They've been roommates for years by now, and their chore wheel game is unmatched (but they still struggle to agree on whose turn it is to clean litter boxes.) Some say these Punks are responsible for graffiti art that has shown up all over the galaxy in recent months and years... but they'll never tell.
Eww, I'm NOT getting any closer to that mess.
SLAY FROM THE SIDELINES. Just because she's not getting close to the fight doesn't mean she's not gonna join in. Pocus can focus a beam of kinetic energy to shoot across the arena, knocking back her opponents and leaving them with a doozy of a headache. Her wings stay clean, her dress unmussed, and she doesn't even break a sweat. She may not appreciate the rough and ready styles of many of her teammates, but she loves a good spa day with Slowclaw.
Just kidding!
BIG TALK FROM SUCH A LIL GUY. Every major player in Wildcard knows what it's like to choke on a Furble taunt. Lubabub's favorite little motor-mouthed mischief maker is quick with a creative put-down but even quicker with a getaway. This roly-poly rascal tends to run first, then rip into his opponents as he escapes, exasperating even the most even-keeled competitors. Furble has a full vocabulary of fighting words, but when it comes down to it, he's pretty useless in a real fight - hence the look of pure terror as he scurries away to taunt another day.
Just one lick and you'll be feelin' groovy.
YOUR REACTION TIME? SHE'LL RB-IT TO SHREDS. This ambitious amphibian brings a certain 'je ne sais frog' to the Wildcard arena - and she's one of Princess Neva's most outrageous creations to date. Her tongue is embued with microscopic darts which release a time-bending toxin - slowing her opponents with devastating strategic effect. At heart, RB-IT is a seeker - endlessly curious, and always looking for the next mind-altering experience. She also knows everyone - and she'll be happy to introduce you!
Bzzzzzzzz.
DUDE, THEY'RE PRETTY MUCH JUST BUGS. Relentless pestilence reigning the skies, causing widespread panic, leading generations to curse their names. The Choppits are a fearsome pack of buzzing trouble, harassing their opponents and causing mass chaos as they swarm the arena floor. They are also effective garden pollinators. The sting of a Choppit may cause significant tissue damage, and opponents know to steer clear of their hive-mind mentality. Fun fact: their saliva tastes like cotton candy. Don't ask us how we know.