Tuft of Hair

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Martin 46
Alias(es)	Tuft of Hair; “Boss” refers to Heka, not Martin 1 46
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Former Graytooth Gang pickpocket; companion and subordinate of Heka; later stays with Heka among the Black Mountain Merchants 1 28 29
Occupation/Role	Street pickpocket, distraction partner, assistant, and Heka’s student 1 4 10 11
Status	Alive; the lump on his head has been surgically removed and healed through divine art 39 46
First Appearance	Chapter 1, “Heka, the Unlucky One”

Background / History

Martin was a diseased street child and one of the lowest-ranking pickpockets associated with the Graytooth Gang. Heka used his frightening appearance as a distraction during thefts, while Martin followed instructions and helped draw victims’ attention away from the actual pickpocketing 1.

Heka later brought Martin into an abandoned sewer maintenance shaft while hiding from the gang and the authorities. Martin proved unusually loyal: he obeyed Heka’s orders, bought supplies instead of fleeing with the money, adapted to the sewer shelter, and helped maintain their food and water routine 4 6.

During their time underground, Martin revealed that he knew basic arithmetic and could write a little. He became Heka’s teacher, helping him begin learning Valin. In return, Heka promised to make him toys and carved him a wooden rabbit 10 11.

When Heka became trapped and nearly starved to death in a sanctuary well, Martin rescued him with a rope ladder, retrieved water, and spent all his money—including coins gained through petty theft—on dried meat and cheese 22 23. He continued caring for Heka while gangs searched the sewers for him.

Martin accompanied Heka after their escape from the sewers and followed him through the bathhouse, where Heka scrubbed him clean and bought him an expensive meal. The experience briefly allowed Martin to enjoy comfort and a full stomach for the first time in a long while 25 26.

The Black Mountain Merchants later arranged treatment for the lump on Martin’s head. Priest Alwin surgically removed it and used divine art to stop the bleeding and close the wound 39. Afterward, Heka finally learned that his companion’s real name was Martin and stopped calling him Tuft of Hair 46.

Appearance

Before his treatment, Martin was a bald, frightening-looking child with sores covering his face and a black lump growing on his head. His appearance made other street children reject him, but also made him effective at distracting theft targets 1.

• Bald, with a diseased and heavily scarred-looking appearance 1
• Face covered in sores 1
• Large black tumor or lump on his head 1 39
• Usually wore tattered clothing and sometimes a battered hat 10 22
• Became noticeably healthier after moving into the sewer shelter and receiving regular food 6
• The lump was removed through surgery and divine healing 39
• After treatment, Heka expected hair to eventually grow back over the affected area 40

Personality

Martin is simple-minded in some situations but observant about immediate survival. He values food and safety more than money, status, or freedom, and his trust in Heka is based largely on Heka’s ability to keep him fed and protected 4.

He is obedient and cautious around authority figures because gang life has conditioned him to expect beatings and punishment. Even when frightened, he follows Heka’s instructions and gradually becomes more confident in unfamiliar environments 10 25.

Martin is deeply loyal and self-sacrificing. He reduces his own food intake to preserve supplies for Heka, risks returning to the surface for water and food, and stays beside Heka while he is gravely ill 10 22 23. His loyalty develops into genuine affection, with Heka becoming both his protector and the person he most trusts.

Abilities & Skills

Distraction and Pickpocketing Support

Martin assists Heka’s thefts by drawing attention away from the target. His unusual appearance makes him especially effective as a distraction, allowing Heka to cut away a victim’s money pouch unnoticed 1.

• Works as Heka’s distraction partner.
• Understands basic instructions during coordinated thefts.
• Does not appear to possess Heka’s supernatural status-panel skills.
• His effectiveness comes from his appearance and street experience rather than physical strength.

Literacy and Arithmetic

Martin knows basic arithmetic and has limited literacy. He teaches Heka to write Valin using improvised materials in the sewer shelter 10 11.

• Can perform basic calculations.
• Can write at least a small amount.
• Serves as Heka’s first writing teacher.
• His education appears limited but valuable in a largely illiterate environment.

Survival and Adaptation

Martin adapts quickly to harsh living conditions. He becomes healthier in the sewer shelter, learns its routines, and performs practical tasks such as preparing meals, carrying water, cleaning, and gathering supplies 6 10 35.

• Adapts to underground living.
• Rations food and water during shortages.
• Navigates dangerous streets when necessary.
• Uses disguises such as a battered hat to conceal his distinctive head.
• Can pass through guarded areas when mistaken for a supply worker 23 24.

Loyalty and Support

Martin consistently supports Heka during dangerous situations. He helps rescue Heka from the sanctuary well, protects their supplies, provides emergency food, and remains nearby during Heka’s illness 22 23.

• Rescues Heka with a rope ladder.
• Purchases nearly twenty-nine pounds of meat and cheese with all his money.
• Helps cook and maintain their shelter.
• Follows Heka through dangerous sewer routes and faction-controlled territory.
• Remains emotionally devoted to Heka even when frightened.

Relationships

• Heka — Protector, leader, teacher, and eventual friend. Heka originally used Martin as a distraction during thefts but gradually began feeding, protecting, educating, and caring for him. Martin calls him “Boss” and repeatedly risks himself to keep Heka alive 1 4 10 22 23 46.
• Graytooth Gang — Former affiliation. Martin was one of the gang’s lowest-ranking pickpockets and was bullied by other children 1 10.
• Priest Alwin — Physician and healer who removes Martin’s head lump through surgery and divine art 39.
• Black Mountain Merchants — Temporary handlers and sponsors. They provide Martin with access to medical treatment while keeping him connected to Heka’s activities 28 29 39.
• Deko — Heka’s handler among the Black Mountain Merchants. Deko regards Martin as part of Heka’s unpredictable group and monitors their movements 35 36 46.

Story Role / Major Arcs

Street-Pickpocket Arc

Martin is introduced as Heka’s frightening-looking distraction partner during thefts. Although other pickpockets reject him, Heka recognizes that his appearance can divert attention from the actual theft 1.

Sewer Shelter Arc

Martin becomes Heka’s roommate and dependent after Heka brings him into an abandoned sewer maintenance shaft. He helps maintain their shelter, learns to ration supplies, and becomes Heka’s writing teacher 4 6 10 11.

Rescue and Recovery Arc

When Heka is trapped, starving, and close to death, Martin rescues him and obtains food despite the dangers outside. His actions help Heka survive and strengthen their bond 22 23.

Escape and Bathhouse Arc

Martin follows Heka through hidden sewer passages and into Vivian Bathhouse. Heka cleans him, protects him from public judgment, and buys him a lavish meal, briefly giving Martin a life beyond hunger and filth 25 26.

Black Mountain Merchants Arc

Martin remains with Heka after they enter the Black Mountain Merchants’ territory. He performs chores, assists Heka’s work, and stays close during the merchants’ political crisis 28 29 35 36.

Treatment and Renaming

Martin receives surgery for the lump on his head at a Wealth Church. After Heka finally asks his name, he is recognized as Martin rather than being reduced to the nickname “Tuft of Hair” 39 46.

Notable Quotes

“Boss, I'm coming with you.” 12

“It's all right, Boss. I'll eat properly. I'll definitely eat back the money we sold our lives for.” 36

Trivia

• Heka initially chose Martin because his appearance was useful for attracting a victim’s attention 1.
• Martin’s real name is not revealed until after the lump on his head is removed 46.
• He requests a wooden rabbit rather than a wooden sword as his promised toy 11.
• He spends every coin he has to buy food for Heka during Heka’s recovery 23.
• He is mistaken for a supply worker connected to Cripple Boss’s men, allowing him to pass through a guarded sewer entrance 23 24.
• Heka forgets Martin’s real name for a time, despite their long period of living together 40 46.