Introducing the Characters from Crystals of Ulstra


An illustration of Caro Grifo, a Druido chieftain from Taumaturgio. He is a character in Crystals of Ulstra, a queer epic fantasy novel by Bradley Bowen.
Caro Grifo
(Artwork by Frejj)

Caro Grifo is a Druido chieftain in the forests of Taumaturgio. Druido can take the form of animals and channel elemental magic. Unlike their northern counterparts from Mistika who take the forms of arctic animals, the Druido of the southern forests primarily take the form of griffins, living and working within their social spheres.

Caro Grifo lives among the griffins in Arbardio’s Grove. He leads a group of Druido who protect the forest. He considers Rubena, the Maven of the Mago an old friend.

This is my tenth character commission from Frejj and I think it speaks for itself why I continue to work with this incredible artist! This portrait of Caro Grifo expertly portrays him as the iconic immortal being that he is, and I am 100% in love with it.


An Interview with Caro Grifo

Fragments of a conversation with Caro Grifo, Druido of Arbardio’s Grove
Recorded by a junior chronicler at Taumaturgio, sometime before the war

Have you always lived in Arbardio’s Grove?

Yes, I have—and it may surprise you to learn that I’m one of its original inhabitants.

Are Druido common in the forests of Taumaturgio?

Not as common as Mago, Kavaliro, and other humans. But there are a fair number of us in the south. The most populous Druido community lives in Mistika, though.

Who do you trust the most?

I trust Rubena more than anyone else I’ve ever met. She is my oldest, dearest friend.

What are your biggest strengths?

Just a few: Confidence and charisma. Leadership and strategy. Loyalty and reliability.

And what are your weaknesses?

Impatience and irritability. As long as I’ve lived, these are two areas I’ve yet to master.

Have you ever known love?

Not in the romantic sense. I don’t experience attraction the same way many others do.

Are you religious?

You don’t need religion when you’ve been personally blessed by the Eagle God.

What are your hobbies?

I greatly enjoy solitude. I spend a lot of time flying, swimming, and woodworking.

What do you value you most?

Peace.

What does Ulstra’s future hold?

In my hopes and dreams, Rego Aglo is neutralized and Atentu’s poachers eliminated. It’s not unattainable, either. I believe if Ulstra comes together, we can make it true.


I hope you liked your introduction to Caro Grifo! You can get to know him even better in my debut novel Crystals of Ulstra when it’s self-published later this year.


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The book cover for Crystals of Ulstra, a queer epic fantasy novel by Bradley Bowen. It features an illustration of the main character Koralo over a backdrop of a eucalypt forest.

Crystals of Ulstra

An epic fantasy tale with a queer-normative sensibility, Crystals of Ulstra is the first book in the Ulstra trilogy.

Meet the Author

Bradley Bowen is a Colorado-based writer, digital fundraiser, and author of the queer fantasy epic Crystals of Ulstra.