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A special 3-for-one today. I need some members to flesh out the Demon Beasts gang, but I feel like I’d be padding if I made them each a separate entry. Since the Wikipedia entry groups them, I’ll group my version of them as well (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Journey_to_the_West_characters)
Tiger, Elk, and Antelope Demon Beasts (60)
Project: Comedy film (Western Road Trip)
Known as: Tiger, Elk, and Antelope (often called “Lope” for short)
Real name: Stanley, Leo, and Ester Kubanowski
Group affiliation: The Demon Beasts motorcycle gang
Physical description: When the Kubanowskis stand together they exemplify small, medium and large – provided “small” is a 6’ tall woman (Lope). Tiger is 6’4”, and Elk is 6’8”. They all have brown hair and there is a definite family resemblance (they wear similar scowls). Lope is lithe but muscular, Tiger looks like a body builder, and Elk could play on an NFL defensive line. They are in biker attire, an each has a stylized, demonish face corresponding to their animal on their jackets (in addition to the Demon Beasts symbol).
Personality: The Kubanowskis are generally calm and matter-of-fact. They do enjoy their work (crime) and are some of the Demon Beasts’ best enforcers (when cracking skulls it is rarely personal – just business). They are loyal and would not betray King. They were once in the Heretical Monks but felt abandoned by Sun so they have no reason to favor him over King.
History: The Kubanowskis grew up in a family of criminals in a community of criminals. Not that they reveled in cruelty or were particularly mean. They simply grew up in a society where if you couldn’t take care of your own stuff or didn’t have people to watch your back, the world would take advantage of you. If they happened to play the game better than most then that was no reason for them to feel guilty.
The “have your back” part of their philosophy meant that the only real sin was to betray your family or gang. Like many, they were drawn into the Heretical Monks because of Sun. The strongest, most competent, most clever person they have ever met, they had great success working with him. Still, Sun’s frequent absences made the Kubanowskis question his ultimate loyalty. The Kubanowskis knew that they lacked the vision to lead the gang themselves, so when Sun did not return for a long period, they were among those Monks who threw in with King.
When Whitey reports that Sun is back, King calls on the Kubanowskis to be the primary hunters. While some wondered if former Monks were the right choice, King knew the value they had on loyalty and was unconcerned. As mean as King could be, the Kubanowskis never questioned his loyalty to the Demon Beasts (after all, the Demon Beasts WERE King).
The travelers will have a few brushes with the Kubanowskis, ending with a dramatic showdown (Sun will handle Tiger; Sandy will outmaneuver lope; and Hawg and Elk will have a massive and destructive fight). Even after being trounced, the Kubanowskis won’t take it personally. After King’s downfall, they’ll ultimately end up traveling with Hawg.
Role in the narrative: Hard to have a motorcycle gang of one, so I need to flesh out the cast some.
Abilities: Skilled riders, fighters, and marksman. They lack vision, but are experienced at a number of different types of crime.
Inspirations: The supporting characters above were also supporting characters in Journey to the West. They were truly their animals, evolved into demons. Sun Wukong tricks them into their ends.
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