Master Devlin

Master Steven Devlin is a dragon member of the Master's Council from Widdlington and one of the stars of The Waldoverse.

Background and Role:

Master Steven Devlin, a formidable dragon and member of the ancient Order of Masters, has been a central figure in the Waldoverse since his assignment in 1891 to oversee the notorious Widdle Frunkut, better known as Waldo. Born in 1691 in Scotland, Devlin hails from a long lineage of Masters, with his grandfather, Alexander, being particularly notable. Although much of his early career remains shrouded in mystery, his role as Waldo’s master has defined his life for over a century.

The relationship between Master Devlin and Waldo is both complex and multifaceted. Devlin has been the long-suffering "hetero-life mate" and "best friend" of the chaotic goblin. Despite Waldo's constant mischief, Devlin has dedicated himself to mitigating the damage caused by his troublesome companion, often at the expense of his own personal life and career. Their bond is marked by a blend of camaraderie and frustration, with Devlin persistently trying to temper Waldo’s chaos through a mix of strict discipline and reluctant tolerance.

Appearance:

Master Devlin is a striking figure, with a large, muscular build and purple, leathery skin. His classic dragon head, adorned with prominent horns, adds to his intimidating presence. Though he often assumes a humanoid size, typically dressing in suits and shirts that reflect his upper-class upbringing, Devlin has the ability to morph into a full dragon form. In this state, he reveals his large, hidden wings and gains the ability to unleash devastating fire breath, reminiscent of the most fearsome dragons in folklore.

Personality and Traits

Devlin carries himself with a sense of dignity and sophistication that reflects his noble heritage, though he is not without his flaws. He is often short-tempered and quick to anger, frequently resorting to physical punishment to discipline Waldo, insisting that "he must learn," while rarely explaining why Waldo’s behavior is wrong. These unsuccessful attempts at discipline often lead to Devlin erupting into snarling bouts of rage, further complicating their tumultuous relationship.

Devlin is a skilled warrior and brave fighter. He has faced down numerous villains and threats that have arisen in the Waldoverse, using his combat prowess and dragon abilities to protect those under his care. His strength and battle experience have made him a respected figure among allies and a feared adversary among enemies.

As a dragon member of the Council, Devlin is required to take regular doses of a potion known as Dratonin (or Anodynus Dratonium, as it is known in ancient texts). This mystical elixir helps keep his primal dragon urges at bay. Without it, Devlin, like his dragon master peers, risks relapsing into violent outbursts of dragon fury, leading to destructive rampages where he might fly around burning towns, villages, and kidnapping young noblewomen to lock them in castle towers. Even with the Dratonin, however, he cannot fully escape the dragon’s instinct to hoard jewels and gold, contributing to his considerable wealth and the resentment of non-master townsfolk.

Despite his cultured demeanor, Devlin has a few quirks—most notably his addiction to collecting Fabergé eggs and his perverse relationship with butter, which he manufactures himself. He also has a habit of making deliberately perverted remarks towards Waldo, leading to frequent accusations from Waldo that he is a homosexual, which Devlin denies. Devlin is also infamous for his legendary flatulence and bowel movements, which often lead him to claim that his "bottom is broken." This crude humor contrasts sharply with his otherwise composed demeanor, adding a layer of complexity to his character.

Notable Relationships:

• Widdle Frunkut: His most significant and challenging relationship, marked by a mixture of camaraderie, frustration, and begrudging affection. Their bond is characterized by a complex blend of mutual dependence, exasperation, and occasional hostility.
• Harris Travers: Despite Travers' sleazy narcissism, Devlin has developed an unlikely friendship with him. Travers, once an alternate personality of Waldo, shares some of the same chaotic tendencies that test Devlin’s patience.
• Mayuri Shiina: Devlin has taken on the role of a surrogate father to Mayuri, offering her guidance and support amidst the chaos of her life with Waldo and later Harris Travers. Her kindness and innocence are a refreshing contrast to the turmoil surrounding Waldo and Travers.
• The Editor (Ed): Devlin shares an antagonistic relationship with The Editor, a god-like figure who shapes the Waldoverse. Ed takes particular pleasure in tormenting Devlin, disrupting his sense of control and authority. This relationship is a source of constant frustration for Devlin, who resents being overruled by a higher power, particularly one as whimsical as Ed.

Conclusion

Master Steven Devlin is a figure of great complexity, embodying both the nobility and flaws of his ancient lineage. As Waldo’s master and a guardian of order in the Waldoverse, he navigates a world of chaos and danger, balancing his duty with his personal quirks and challenges. His relationships, particularly with Waldo and Travers, define much of his experience, blending camaraderie, frustration, and reluctant loyalty into a narrative that is as unpredictable as it is enduring.