Malachi Jode

Malachi Jode has been called the first nomad. His vision and influence united the original members of what became the Jode Clan. In his Nation, he is revered with an almost religious awe But in his few personal statements to outsiders, Malachi has down-played his reputation as much as possible. It is tough to be a legend, although, as his hair has turned from red to grey, Malachi has endured the title with aplomb.

He is reluctant to discuss his early life. It is believed he was in his twenties when the dust bowl hit Oklahoma, working as a farmer, a preacher, a convict, or a soldier. In his opinion, his past does not matter. Nor does anyone else's; to him, what any of the Jodes did before they came to the tribes is irrelevant, only what they do with their lives once they are here is important.

Malachi has always had a vision for the nomads. At first it was only that they maintain a fair and equitable relationship among themselves. Then his vision grew to call for fair play among packs who had to work together; and onward until the Jodes became the first Nation to have treaties between its major tribes. The Jodes have been active in all of the nomad industries, both by choice and by circumstance. They care little about the exact task at hand on any specific day, as long as they have the opportunity to survive, prosper from their labors, and raise their children.

As the Jodes became larger, Malachi was challenged in many of his beliefs. He was challenged for allowing the children of statics join the Jode schools, for hiring gangs to keep them from vandalizing nomad projects, for accepting refugees from the Long Walk. yet in every incident, time has vindicated his decisions, which in turn caused many of his personal beliefs to be embraced by the Jodes as a whole. Nevertheless, Malachi has not rested on his laurels, and like Juan Aldecaldo, he would prefer to spare his nation the politicization of their future. But he realizes that he is getting older, and unless he finds a successor soon, there will be no choice.

Malachi Jode is a tall, gaunt man with hair the color of ash and sand. His skin has been darkened by the sun and his features are neutral enough that his ethnicity is a subject of quiet debate. He speaks in a quiet, even, and powerful voice; the voice of authority. Malachi dresses, as do the other members of the Jodes, in denims and loose handmade shirts. His clothing is adorned with patterns reminiscent of Navajo designs. Malachi also usually wears an army surplus load-bearing vest which is reinforced and armored, with numerous pockets carrying small equipment. Malachi usually travels with fewer people in his entourage than the other nomad leaders, and he eschews air travel for all but the most important occasions.

Stats

INT: 10, LUCK: 8, EMP: 9, REF: 7, MA: 7, SA:FAMILY +10, TECH: 7, ATTR: 5, COOL: 9, BODY: 6, REP: 10.