INTRODUCING: Clifflet the Pebblenib
Welcome to the introduction of Clifflet the Pebblenib, our second character introduction blog post. As we build the world of The Village at the Crossroads, we want to introduce you to the cast of our first three books. While heroes drive the plot of fantasy stories, it’s the friends, sidekicks, and quest-givers who make a world feel like home. We’re excited to introduce you to some of our secondary characters as well!
Last time we posted, we introduced you to Eldric the Wizard – the titular character of our first book and perhaps the wisest and most senior resident in the Village at the Crossroads. But even a powerful wizard needs a hand – or perhaps in this case, a pebble?
What is a Pebblenib?
Enter Clifflet, our second highlighted character within the Village of the Crossroads world. Clifflet is a Pebblenib - a small, boulder-like creature native to the forests of our world. While most of his kind prefer peaceful, hidden settlements deep in the woods, Clifflet has opted for the “big city” life, living with Eldric in his central tower.
Clifflet is a Pebblenib – a small, boulder-like creature with bodies made of rocky stone about the size of a watermelon. Pebblenibs have stubby, pebblelike arms and legs and their faces are adorably simple with wide smiles. Pebblenibs live in all sorts of ecosystems in our fantasy world, with their bodies and characteristics reflecting where they’re from. A Pebblenib from a snowy tundra would look a bit different than one from a dry, rocky desert.
Developing a Mascot
When we first began discussing the Village at the Crossroads project, we knew we wanted to create a unique species that kids could truly latch onto. We recognized that it was a great opportunity to differentiate our world from other fantasy settings.
We looked at iconic companions like Pikachu for inspiration – perhaps the most marketable sidekick in the history of sidekicks. We wanted a character that was visually distinct, highly relatable (and feels like a best friend), and also versatile. The character had to jump from the pages of a book onto colouring book pages, t-shirts, and maybe even stuffed toys.
Clifflet ticks these boxes in our mind, and Pebblenibs in general give us a ton of room to grow the species and the lore behind them. Imagine an old Pebblenib with a long beard, or a motherly Pebblenib dressed in an apron and tending to tiny Pebblenib-children. We actually have a scene in one of our future books which features a Pebblenib village, and I can’t wait to see what Sid can come up with in the art department when it comes time to showcase a crowd of these little guys gathered together.
Feedback from out earliest readers (including my own 3-year old daughter!) confirms that Clifflet is a breakout star! We may have accomplished the goals!
A Silent but Powerful Presence
Though Clifflet doesn’t speak a traditional language, he is a mainstay of our series. He is by Eldric’s side from start to finish, navigating the hustle and bustle of village life, going shopping, and helping with endless magical tasks.
He represents the joy of socialization and the bond of friendship, and we think that should resonate with our readers… child and parent alike!