A Relationship Map for Orphen

Orphen Voiced by David Matranga

Orphen was scouted by the prestigious Tower of Fang when he was just a child, and quickly became the magic university’s brightest pupil. But when the school’s humiliated regents transformed his friend Azalie into a dragon marked for death, Orphen repudiated the dark arts academy–at the same time abandoning his birth name of Krylancelo–and dedicated himself to changing Azalie back into her human form.

Cleao Voiced by Shelley Calene-Black

Rich. Spoiled. And, man, has she got a mouth. Cleao bailed on college to get a more exciting education on the road with a sorcerer. But now all she can do is bitch about not having a warm bubble bath. Strangely, the sword that changed Orphen’s friend into a dragon was later found hanging over Cleao’s fireplace, a gift from her late father.

Majic Voiced by Spike Spencer

The sorcerer’s apprentice. Majic’s tuition is basically funding Orphen’s quest. A little on the femme side, Majic seems to be a budding ladies’ man–using his spellcraft to watch Cleao bathe in a lake, and get up-close-and-personal with a young sorceress.

Volcan Voiced by John Swasey

Working as Cleao’s servant to pay off a debt, Volcan’s supposed to look after that sword in Cleao’s house. Instead, he decides to steal it. Hates everybody. Hates everything.

Dortin

Voiced by Hilary Haag

Volcan’s ever-present companion and punching bag. Dortin’s got a heart of gold, but unfortunately, it’s faithfully loyal to Volcan–who would probably sell Dortin’s heart in a beat to make a fast buck.

Childman Voiced by Jason Douglas

Orphen and Azalie’s former instructor. The Tower of Fang’s best master of the dark arts, Childman must now hunt down and destroy the sorceress-turned-dragon, Azalie. And Orphen too, if he gets in the way. Childman’s power is unmatched, but his hesitation in stopping Orphen is weakening him politically, a fact that the power-lustful Flameheart finds most interesting.

Hartia Voiced by Randy Sparks

Second-banana blues. When Orphen was a student at the Tower, Hartia was a distant runner-up for the up-and-coming most promising sorcerer. Now, Hartia is Childman’s right-hand man and Orphen’s would-be assassin.

Stephanie Voiced by Karen Coffer

Once Orphen’s "partner," Stephanie was fatally wounded in a magical battle and used all her powers to heal herself. Now, she is simply a magic archaeologist who may be the only one who can discover the spell to transform Azalie. But after Stephanie arranged for a stone golem to make an assassination attempt on Orphen, her loyalties are in question.

Flameheart Voiced by Ty Mayberry

When Childman’s abilities are questioned, the serpentine sorcerer Flameheart makes his big power play to take over the Tower of Fang. Arrogant, slippery, his career enhancement is accelerated by a member of the Council of Elders with whom he shares a close and secret relationship.

The Secret Order of Things

The Orphen series is not numbered. (Most anime collectives aren’t.) While any volume can be viewed individually, the sequential order is Spell of The Dragon, Super-Natural Powers, and now Ruins & Relics. Future installments are Mystere, The Soul Stealers, and The Last Talisman.

Easter Eggs

Many DVDs have what the industry calls "Easter eggs"–secret sections discovered only by playing with the cursor on your remote. The third Orphen DVD, Ruins & Relics, is the first ADV series to feature such a hidden treasure. This disc takes jibes at the Orphen actors’ egos, the explanation behind certain hotly debated script changes, and hints at future Orphen releases.

Crossroads will be hosting a DVD release party for the third installment in the Orphen series, Relics and Ruins. Cast members will be in attendance. Crossroads, 1111 Westheimer, Thursday, November 15, 7 p.m. The public is invited.