STORY
LIL' Buddy is the child of two wildly different Netherworld figures: Silenus, a crass and irreverent Satyr who moonlights as a vulgar standup comedian, and Arethusa, a serene and creative Nymph who teaches naturalist art. Despite their contrasting personalities, the two share a deep appreciation for the unique and colorful family they've built together.
The family resides in Kutu, a sprawling metropolitan Netherworld city reminiscent of New York City, teeming with life and chaos. LIL' Buddy’s name is a product of his father’s questionable sense of humor. Silenus thought it would be hilarious to name his goat-headed son Baphomet, drawing a cheeky parallel to the controversial deity of balance and order. While the name started as a joke, Arethusa embraced it as a symbol of hope, raising LIL' Buddy to embody balance, rationality, and enlightenment in a world that often lacks all three.
LIL' Buddy himself is a perfect blend of his parents’ polarizing traits, navigating life as a curious mix of his father’s bold humor and his mother’s thoughtful serenity. Keeping his parents’ personalities in harmony isn’t always easy, but he manages it with charm and wit. Together with a tight-knit group of friends, LIL' Buddy embarks on thrilling Netherworld adventures, where they confront challenges, uncover valuable life lessons, and learn to harness their supernatural gifts. Through it all, they strive to do the right thing, even when the odds are stacked against them.
SUPPORTING CHARACTERS
CALI TAKEKO (MAHA-CALI)
Cali Takeko’s life took a sharp turn when she and her parents died in a tragic car accident at the age of 13. Upon transitioning, they awoke at the Netherworld Welcoming Center in Ne-No-Kuni. Shortly after, the family moved to Kutu, where they began a new chapter in their afterlife.
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Determined to maintain a sense of normalcy, Cali continued her martial arts training, but she soon discovered she had gained extraordinary powers. She could now channel the immense strength and magical abilities of Mahakala, a revelation that left her friends in awe. They affectionately nicknamed her “Maha-Cali,” a name that reflects her new identity as the group’s fierce protector.
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While Cali’s sense of justice is unwavering, her short temper often leads her into trouble, especially when she witnesses bullying or other forms of injustice. Her friends frequently step in to help her channel her emotions, but when her fiery determination is called upon, the results can be both magnificent and terrifying.
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MAATY RA
Maaty Ra is the daughter of Amun Ra, a renowned and highly sought-after Netherworld architect. While her father pours his energy into designing the towering structures of Kutu, Maaty often feels neglected and left to navigate life on her own.
Despite this, Maaty has a strong moral compass, valuing fairness and equality above all else. Her keen ability to judge character makes her a natural mediator and a trusted confidant in her circle of friends. Her friends, who mean the world to her, often describe her as a "gothic Cleopatra," a nod to her striking appearance and elegant demeanor.
Through her adventures with her friends, Maaty discovers a profound connection to the goddess Ma’at, awakening a unique magical ability. She manifests powerful wings that sprout from her back, allowing her to soar through the skies with grace and purpose. This newfound gift becomes a symbol of her inner strength and her unwavering commitment to fairness, helping her rise above the challenges of her world both physically and spiritually.
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CERBERUS (REX)
Rex is no ordinary hound. He’s a wayward demon dog who once served in the guardian pack of Hades before escaping to the Netherworld city of Kutu.
Fortunately, the pack adopted him, and he quickly became a beloved, if terrifying, member of the group. Though his appearance is nightmarish, with glowing eyes and a haunting growl, Rex has a heart of gold (well, metaphorically speaking).
As the group’s loyal inspector and protector, he’s both their fiercest defender and their sweetest companion, always ready to sniff out trouble or curl up at their feet.