Creator questions
What's your name (real or screen, your choice)
Brutus, of course, is just an alias but is all my fans are going to get.
Tell me about yourself, age, where you're from, what you do, anything you want others to know about you, sex, etc.
I'm 37 years old. California. Currently in retail with a couple side jobs. I'm a divorced single father raising my 13 year old daughter alone. The author known as Sandsstill is my girlfriend.
What brought you to the Zootopia fandom?
I joined the fandom after reading 'Boys like you.' At least I think that was the title. Been a long time. It's a high school AU. Anyway I saw the unfinished fan comic and googled to see if there was more to the story. Found ffnet and started writing again.
Who is your OC today?
BBWolf, or Big Bad Wolf
What animal are they?
Um it's kinda in the name.
What do they look like? Special markings, colorations, etc.
Black metal wolf shaped armor with glowing white celtic designs covering the entirety of it.
He has that suit of armor, what's he doing with it?
The armor itself is made up of a substance that is about as close to a physical manifestation of a shadow that you can get. Think black hole with no gravity. It bestows strength and a defense on the wearer but the side effects are a little more fun. it can generate shadow clones of itself that appear to the eyes but are not actually there. It allows shadow travel over short distances. The only restriction there is how long he can hold his breath. He has the ability to absorb light and heat, plunging those he is enemies with into darkness. as for combat he's bulletproof but a good hit on the helmet is still gonna ring his bell. I wouldn't want to kick him in the crotch either. the shadow metal did not forget a codpiece. would probably still hurt him but you'd break your foot in the process.
So what does he use the armor for? Is he a superhero or paid muscle, what's his job?
Before BBWolf, in the time of Black Iron he was a mercenary. Sometimes an assassin. The dark personality ruled at that time. The civilian identity was an archivist for a museum and aspiring writer. Those three sources of income have padded his accounts substantially. When the curse on the medallion was broken and allowed the true spirit to take control much of his wealth was given to charity aside from what he used to begin a publishing company. Reuniting with Little Red jump-started his powers. Much the same power wise as he was as a villain BBWolf works with Red to bring justice to all.
What inspired you to create them?
Little red riding hood and ,of course, my love of superheroes. The armor itself I based off a character I made in a MMO that is no more. City of heroes I think it was called. Darius du Fell was a haunted suit of gothic armor searching for the demon who cursed him in the middle ages and still possessed his old body. I just Zootopiafied the character and gave it a new name and backstory.
So could Big Bad actually be considered a good guy?
yes he is actually the good persona of the two
So he has a split personality or is it a Venom type deal?
originally when he was black iron it was closer to the hulk. one in charge at a time. now only one ever has control
So your character is inspired by the red riding hood story. Is that why you chose your sona as a wolf?
no. actually wolves have always been my favorite animal. a greatly misunderstood predator species even in the modern world. Little Red Riding Hood I always found a little silly and foolish but the moral behind it i liked.
What are they like?
Dark sense of humor and uncaring about whatever damage befalls him. BBWolf charges into battle unarmed aside from his armor and blocks chokepoints with his mass and muscle. His theatrical flair comes into play with his entrance. Causing every nearby speaker to play that annoying three little pigs song, 'who's afraid of the big bad wolf?' before answering the question as it ends in his deep echoing voice. "You are."
What's their family life like?
Married twice divorced once. Brutus, yeah yeah I know he's named after me move on, has a young teenage daughter with his first wife but no other biological children. His second wife had more than enough for the both of them anyway at 6, so seven total.
What's BBWolf's relationship with his X like?
Not good. Crazy tigress tried to kill him. Succeeded too. The EMTs revived him. Three times. It ended the deal he made to save his life and ended the curse. The Spirits of Light and Shadow in the two medallions left this world to finally move on to the next after their thousands of years fighting each other. All because of a paranoid female who thought her mate was cheating because she was.
And his daughter?
His little artist is very precious to him.
Do they have a love interest?
Little Red, Sandy Dielyelah Stills. Second wife and the love of his life.
Do you have any stories written about them or that they're included in?
The Tale of B. and Little Red - BrutusDeagon - Furry (Fandom) [Archive of Our Own]
What role do you think culture should play in stories?
I think culture has an impact on every story differently. as far as should play? I think it's up to the person making the world and my opinion only matters in my own worlds. In any case it's an essential part of world building but is also so wildly varied and vague that it's very easy to make up on the fly. I have done this as well as actually famous authors. The key though is to make sure you don't forget any of what you make in a world to avoid contradicting yourself. A good example would be Sandsstill's holiday Mardi Gorge. in her headcanon's culture this holiday represents the civilizing of the predators.
Ultimate Zootopia question. Are you a WildeHopps shipper or do you prefer them with a different ship?
Always a wildehopps shipper
For the purpose of the OC interview the setting is the creator's OC is about to be interviewed by my co-owned OC Vicky Chola. A north american grey fox vixen in her mid 20s. They're both in a studio booth with headphones on and microphones to speak into. The interview we did earlier about the creator and their OC is considered a pre conversation between these two before going on the air. Vicky will ask questions based on the answers provided by the creator. Enjoy!
The intro song began to play. About halfway through static hits it hard before a stupid song from an old cartoon begins playing. "Who's afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? Big Bad Wolf. Big Bad Wolf." It halts abruptly as a deep metallic echoing voice answers. "Evil is afraid of me and it should be.I am B. . Pleased to meet you."
"Wow, that was quite the entrance."
"I find the more sudden the entrance the more off guard it puts mammals."
"Why do you need to put others off guard?"
Chuckles "In my line of work you don't want to be the one off guard. If you are then you aren't going to be alive much longer."
"Let's come back to that in a minute. I want to describe you for our listeners. You said you're a wolf under all that medieval armor?"
"Yes I am."
"And your armor is solid black but what are these symbols on it?"
"Celtic scrollwork is what the pattern is called, but this only appeared a few years ago."
"So it's not an original part of the armor?"
"No. It wasn't. Ever hear of Black Iron? The assassin wore this armor before I did. From what I understand he was possessed by an evil savage spirit. Or that is what is said anyway. In truth the spirit was one of two ancient lovers cursed by a jealous King. She escaped half of her curse long ago but stayed behind to try to free him. When Black Iron died they were both freed. I saw it. Paris and Helen passed on at last and I took the armor. The moment I put it on the first time is when I saw the change."
"So that's not something you added? The armor changed itself?"
"Yes. As odd as it sounds it did. Or perhaps it changed with it's wearer. Black Iron was a villain. I am not."
"So... is the armor possessed or something?"
"I suppose it was and still is in a way. By me."
"So am I talking to the armor or the mammal inside right now?"
"The wolf inside."
"How did you come to have this armor?"
"Black Iron was an ordinary mammal. He stumbled on a robbery and was shot. He was dying. The object that holds the armor called to him and they struck a deal. His life for his body at night. After he died I came across the object and it no longer had a personality just the magic that fueled the armor. So I took it."
"So the armor is tied to a certain object?"
"It is. But good luck getting what it is out of me. I think for both our sake we move on."
"Alright, how does it work then? Can you summon it on command or does it come out when you want it to?"
"Think of it as an extension of my will and you would be half right. It's made of shadows. Mine, yours, the dark spots under the table. All I have to do is think it and they solidify around me."
"In what other ways can you interact with the shadows?"
"You noticed how I arrived? The door didn't even open. I shadow travel. I can even make a copy of the armor that moves if I need a distraction."
"Have you ever been in a situation where there weren't any shadows to interact with?"
"Funny thing about light and dark. even in a room with lights everywhere there's a shadow under your feet. Seriously though a little magical manipulation, does not even take much, and I can short out the light bulbs. All except for that really old one that's in that firehouse. Been on for over a hundred years so yeah I'm not gonna break that one."
"You mentioned at the start of this interview that you often needed to catch mammals off guard. Why is that?"
"The armor is damn near bulletproof, but 1. it still hurts like hell and 2 every so often one gets through."
"And what are you doing that you're getting shot?"
"Red and I fight criminals together. Last time I got hit was actually out of the armor. Damn that hurt."
"Red?"
"Seriously? Little Red. The hero who has been fighting fire with literal fire for longer than I have?"
indiscernible whispering
"Okay, so how long have you and Little Red known each other?"
"Sorry I just couldn't believe you didn't know about Red. I am gonna tease her with this so much. Anyway we have been together for a few years now. Before I joined her out there."
"Well to be fair I didn't really know about you until we booked you for the interview. Sorry, haven't followed the news much. Now when you say together, together in what way?"
"Every way."
"How does that work out for the two of you?"
"It gets real hot both in the sheets and on the streets. Ha! I always wanted to say that."
"Hmm, that might be a little TMI but good to know if we ever run into little red. So you two are dating and you're also divorced, correct?"
"Yes. we are and both of us have had disappointing marriages. My ex is a nut, hers a narcissist and both of them cheated."
"Do either of you feel any trauma from those that affect your relationship now?"
"Oh you must mean the fear and paranoia that the other will leave you or find someone better. It never really goes away completely but it does fade."
"Do either of you have children from the previous marriage?"
"We do, but I have to ask you to question elsewhere. For their safety. Nothing matters more than the lives of children."
"Last question on that and we'll move one. How do they feel about your relationship?"
"Hers don't mind so long as I make her happy. Mine was against it at first but is coming around."
"So coming back to crime fighting. Do you practice vigilante justice or just subdue and turnover the perpetrators?"
"I don't go so far as killing if that's what you mean although I have left more than a few permanent injuries. Red leaves burn marks that fur does not grow back in too."
"What would you say to those who say you go too far?"
"Well criminals who say it I laugh at. Civilians who say it, who would you rather be in a hospital? A rapist or the victim? An abusive husband or the beaten wife? I say crooks of any type that hurt their victims deserve what I have to do."
"And what about those who say you're breaking due process? Breaking the laws that say you need evidence before you can arrest someone?"
"Funny thing about a city with so many cameras. Nobody notices a few extra here and there. My shadow travel also helps with setting up of them. I try to get documentation on those that I need it on. Some just need a little scare and they quit that life pretty quick. The violent offenders I stumble across and have no time to video document before they cause real harm? Those are the ones I take time on their fingers with."
"What do you mean?"
I mean I record almost as much as the cops do.
"No, I mean, what do you mean about their fingers?"
"Ever punch someone in armor? Metal-ish armor? Fingers break. Then I grab that hand. It's usually enough to squeeze a little to end the conflict. I sometimes squeeze a lot. With each finger""Depends on how hurt the victim is. The size and /or age discrepancy has a bit to do with it too. Basically however pissed they make me."
"And if you're really pissed?"
"I break the other paw."
cringe noises "Um, let's move on to something else. How long have you lived in Zootopia?"
"Yeah I don't like to think about that after the fact either. Makes me mad I couldn't put them away. Um Think I moved here for my day job the year after the Nighthowler case."
"And your day job is what?"
"I am trained in a variety of occupations. At the time I worked for a museum doing some data entry and inventory. Right now I mostly work as an editor online. It's easy at home work. Keeps me busy. And the anonymous nature of it helps keep innocents from getting accused of being me."
"Where were you before then?"
"A small gold rush town in Northern Califurnia"
"So what brought you to Zootopia?"
"Work. I got the offer from the museum and it was too good to pass up."
"And what do you think of Zootopia so far?"
"It's a great city. Open for any type of relationship and a place for anyone to be anything. There's a shadow everywhere and the greater the light the greater the shadow. in other words even in the greatest cities there are criminals and crime."
"You said the city is open for any type of relationship. What about interspecies? It wasn't that long ago that there was a big divide between predator and prey."
"Yes I know. My civilian identity has run into those jerks before. Specists and purity freaks are everywhere. We ignore them. Or try to. Red kicked a guy in the nuts for insulting us once. I laughed."
Giggles "She sounds like a firecracker."
"That's just one example. She's also the one who came up with enchanting my theme song. Told me if I'm going to play that stupid song to announce my arrival it might as well have a use. So if you need a hero in a hurry say the first line over and over. I will hear it."
"Is that something you did yourself or did she help you with enchanting it?"
"It was my handiwork. Although she did help me find the right enchantment. Some of the earlier attempts, well they kinda blew up in my face. Couldn't hear anything for a few days."
giggles "How long did you milk that?"
"Well the mistranslation that caused it also caused a lot of misunderstandings . When I could hear again there was also a ringing noise that didn't help matters. After that went away I waited until she told me she loved me and said what so she would repeat herself and told her I heard her perfectly but wanted her to say it again. So about six hours past where I should have."
giggles "That's funny. How'd she react when you told her?"
"Told me I was an ass and kissed me."
giggles "How sweet. Mr. Wolf I want to thank you for coming on the show today."
"You are very welcome. Perhaps there will be a little less screaming for help when I arrive now. Oh and just in time. I'm being called." Stands up and walks into the wall disappearing.
"And he just disappeared into the wall. Well everyone I know you probably think I'm crazy now but it really just happened. Everyone please stay safe out there."