The Pack (or the Wolf Pack), also known as the Knight Protectors of the Crystal Palace and just the Knight of the Crystal Palace, or the Knight of Wolves (Chevaliers des Loups) in French, is a group of supporting main characters in Princess Gwenevere and the Jewel Riders. The Pack are the wolf-riding, traditionally all-male young knight counterparts to the all-female Jewel Riders, using the magic of the green Forest Stones. Led by Drake on his alpha wolf Thunderbolt, they help the girls in their fight to bring back Merlin and deliver the Kingdom of Avalon from the threat of evil.
They were confirmed to return in the Jewel Riders comics sequel. There, they are to be led by Fallon (a female) after Drake left the group.
In the show[]
The Pack Riders are a daring team of teenage knight friends who, taught by Merlin, serve as the protectors of the magic kingdom of Avalon together with their great wolf magic animals. They are currently composed of Drake (riding Thunderbolt), Josh (riding Stormrunner) and Max (riding Windwalker), in addition to informally also the tomboy member of the Jewel Riders, Fallon (the only girl who rides and trains and with the boys after havjng proven herself, and actually may act as Drake's second-in-command in his absence). Princess Gwenevere's father King Jared used to be the leader of the Pack before Drake.
Roaming through the Great Forests on their powerful wolves, bonded with through the Circle of Friendship, the Pack use their special Enchanted Jewels known as the Forest Stones. Normally, the Pack's main duty is the protection of the Crystal Palace and New Camelot in general. Now, during the time of great crisis when the evil Lady Kale seeks to conquer Avalon, the Pack often assist the girls of the Jewel Riders in their adventures to defeat Kale and save the kingdom from wild magic.
Their jewels and a closeness among the members of the Pack that creates a sense of teamwork like trees in a forest, allowing the teams of boys and their wolves to share and heighten their senses and increase their strength. The girls can also call upon and summon them as backup anytime using the magical Horn of Merlin, even as actually they only do it once. The Pack with the exception of Drake then largely disappear from the show's second season, until the very finale when they accompany the Jewel Riders going to the final battle against Kale and Morgana.
In the comic[]
The Princess Gwenevere and the Jewel Riders sequel comic, to be released in 2024, will feature a follow-up where "Fallon, holder of the Moon Stone now leads the Pack--an elite group of Avalon's protectors, a role once held by Gwen's fiance" (Drake). In the sneak preview, the boys can be seen being trained by Fallon while wearing new costumes of purple armor (like hers) over plum bodysuits, with white capes.
Development[]
The Wolf Pack originated from a trio male lead characters (with a trio of their female counterparts) in the Dragonriders of Pern cartoon project, including F'lessan (who became Darke). Each of them was to have a "loving dog-like" dragon companion bonded to him for life.[1]
Unlike the androgynous characters like Barbie's Ken, they were designed to look distinctively male. However, out of the three only Drake got his action figure, to the disappointed of the series creator Robert Mandell.[2] The boys were originally to be known as the Rangers in "a plan Robert had that fell to the side as they did not get much screen time."[3] Their wolves were also at first supposed to be much larger than they are in the show.
Brand and Blazer[]
Brand was a cut character from the early versions of the show. He was to be the fourth human member of the Pack, being a "hot shot rider and stubborn traditionalist," and riding a sunburst wolf named Blazer. Besides the Show Bible,[4] Brand also appears in an early "Jewel Quest" script ("Enchanted Quest"). Elements of his character went to Josh.
Brand was described as "an 18-years-old riding maniac. He is well paired with his wolf, Blazer, who is built to run and run fast. Blazer has the colors of a majestic flaming sunset and is sleek and fast as the wind. Brand is always begging Josh to improve and redesign his riding gear so he can try new hotshot "rodeo style" riding tricks. He rides Blazer sideways, upside down, and even, occasionally, right side up, always pushing hard to be the best. Brand is a stubborn traditionalist. He does not think girls should be knights and ride in the Pack. This puts him at odds with Alex (Fallon) and he is constantly competing with her."
The Jewel Riders Archive held an art and writing contest about Brand and Blazer in 2020.[5]
Legacy[]
In Avalon: Web of Magic, there are magical wolves called Mistwolves, including those named Stormbringer (Storm) and Dawnrunner. There is also a group of deceased Mistwolves known as the Spirit Pack. While there are no characters directly corresponding to the boys of the Pack, Adriane Charday (the "Fallon" of Avalon) is by far most related to the Mistwolves, and in particular to Stormbringer (hers bonded).
See also[]
References[]
- ↑ Dragonriders of Perm – The Jewel Riders Archive
- ↑ The Jewel Riders Archive Podcast: Episode Two! Featuring Greg Autore – The Jewel Riders Archive
- ↑ Greg Autore and the Toy Design of Jewel Riders - Part Five - The Jewel Riders Archive
- ↑ Enchanted Jewel Riders Show Bible – The Jewel Riders Archive
- ↑ Brand and Blazer Challenge Results! – The Jewel Riders Archive
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