Ancestor
The Barbarian Starts Thinking
Biodata
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Morse Ironbone (祖宗; “Ancestor”) 3 22 |
| Alias(es) | Iron Bone, Ironbone 4 22 |
| Species/Race | Rishiman; deceased human whose spirit inhabits his skull 1 22 |
| Gender | Male 1 |
| Affiliation | Zagwell Clan; formerly one of King Busuo’s Seven Heroes 3 20 |
| Occupation/Role | Former warrior; clan elder and guide to Kas 4 7 |
| Status | Deceased, but active as a spirit in his skull 1 22 |
| First Appearance | Chapter 1 1 |
Background and History
Morse was a warrior of the Zagwell Clan and an attendant to King Busuo. He describes a lifetime on battlefields, including fights against dragons and mammoths. According to his own account, an attempt to hunt a Thunder Titan left only his cracked skull behind 4 22.
Generations later, Kas’s thoughts inadvertently brought Morse’s spirit back into that skull. Morse began traveling with his descendant, offering advice on Rishiman customs and recounting Zagwell history 1 7.
Appearance
Morse appears as a mobile, talking skull 1.
- His skull is covered in fine cracks and is missing several teeth 1.
- Sparks or red light sometimes appear in his empty eye sockets 9 22.
- Despite its battered appearance, the skull withstands a sling impact and a werewolf’s bite; a Larona warrior recognizes its unusual hardness 2 20.
Personality
Morse is proud of his lineage and eager to pass its history and customs to Kas and Seneya. He nags, boasts, and mocks Kas, but intervenes when he believes his descendant or the clan’s honor is threatened 1 7 22.
His priorities sometimes clash with Kas’s. Morse arranges Kas’s marriage to the cursed werewolf without consulting him, and later remains focused on the clan’s rare totem animal while Kas mourns Nosa 3 19.
Abilities and Skills
Spirit Power
Morse can exert force despite having only a skull. When Xipel Blackheart insults Kas’s lineage, Morse’s presence forces him to his knees; Morse then twists Blackheart’s armored body to death 21 22.
- He can move and launch his skull into an opponent, though impacts add to its cracks 2 3.
- He can sense nearby spirits, but says sensing them does not mean he can make them speak 14.
Knowledge of Rishiman Traditions
Morse teaches Kas about clan history, marriage customs, taboos, and spirit beliefs 1 3 7 11.
- He identifies the significance of the Zagwell Clan’s Golden-Branch Giant Antlered Deer totem 17.
- He guides Isidore through a soul-calling ritual when Kas’s wandering soul fails to return. The ritual requires a blood relative’s blood, which Morse cannot provide in his current state 43.
Relationships
- Kas — His descendant and traveling companion. They argue frequently, but Morse protects his honor and works to recover his wandering soul 1 22 43.
- Seneya / Miss Aowu — Kas’s wife by Morse’s arrangement. He welcomes her into the Zagwell Clan, teaches her its history, and insists that Kas treat her as a person 3 4 7.
- Xipel Blackheart — A Larona warrior whom Morse kills for insulting Kas’s lineage 21 22.
- Isidore — Morse instructs him in the soul-calling ritual intended to save Kas 43.
Story Role
- Forgotten Grassland — Morse helps Kas confront a werewolf, captures her, and declares her Kas’s wife 2 3.
- Journey through the Sorrow Mountains — He accompanies Kas and Seneya, passing on clan lore and advice while repeatedly disputing Kas’s choices 5 7 11.
- Black Ember Tribe — His reputation earns recognition for Kas; he later kills Blackheart after the warrior insults their family 20 22.
- Iron Peak Mountain — When Kas’s wandering soul is taken, Morse explains the danger and directs the effort to call him back 41 43.
Notable Quotes
“I am the master of the Zagwell Clan—Morse Ironbone. I proclaim to all spirits of the Forgotten Grassland…” 3
“I’m still here, kid...” 17