REAL Character Profile - Tikal the Echidna

CHARACTER INFORMATION

Name: Tikal

Nicknames: N/A

Race: Echidna
(If you choose to get technical, Tikal is more than likely a Short-nosed Echidna.)

Gender: Female

Age: 14 (is now deceased)

Date of birth: Unknown

Birthplace: Unknown; could be the temple seen in the Mystic Ruins, or on Angel Island (assuming her birth was before Angel Island ascended into the skies)

Height: 95 centimeters (3 feet and 1 inch)

Weight: Unknown
(Speculation: Tikal is close to Sonic's height and age. However, she is female. A rough estimate of Tikal's weight is 24 kilos [52.8 lbs.] to 29 kilos [68.8 lbs.])

Physical techniques: Unknown
(Tikal was playable in Sonic Adventure 2 and Sonic Adventure 2: Battle 2-P mode. Although she showed physical potential certifiable for a Sonic character, any 2-P mode doesn't exactly contribute to the storyline arc or actual character development. For the record, her abilities in 2-P mode were similar to Knuckles and Rouge; she could do the spinball jump/roll, glide, climb, dig, and use some nature-oriented supernatural powers.)

Abilities and aptitude:
(1). Tikal may be deceased, but her conjunction with the Master Emerald has granted her the gift be able to take the form of a mysterious ball of light and even spiritually assume her physical form if need be.
(2). Has the ability to temporarily warp people back in time.

Hobbies and talents:
(1). Tikal is the only other known character that has been able to utilize and access the powers of the Master Emerald, and so far is the only known character that could communicate with and understand Chaos.

Weaknesses:
(1). Seems to be rather frail and petite; God knows that if a bunch of echidnas were to trample Sonic or Knuckles, they wouldn't have thrown in the towel so quickly.
(2). Although she can present herself to others, she is limited to spiritual form.

Physical Appearance:
- Fur color is a slightly darker, more contrasting shade of peach
- Long-snouted, peach muzzle
- Cobalt blue eyes
- 7 dreadlock-like quills hanging from around her head
- Pointed, shiny black nose
- Long, slightly bent tail

Attire:
- Her chest is covered by a white tanktop-like garment
- Her lower body is covered by a tribal dress with beige, green, and red triangular patterns, and fringed along the bottom hem
- Starting right above her tail, there seems to be a long, flowing strap of green-bordered, beige fabric; similar to a long wedding dress (this article of clothing is not shown in the games)
- White sandals intact by a sequence of white straps going around her feet and up her legs
- Large and thick, shiny cobalt blue bracelets adorn her wrists
- White gloves
- A golden tiara-like band with an elliptical sapphire in the center embraces her forehead, a large portion of which is covered by her quills
- Wears a large golden necklace with a sapphire in the center, matching her headband
- Golden arm brace around her upper right arm
- White bandages around many of her quills and on her lower left arm

Items & weapons: N/A

Vehicle(s): N/A

Personality details: Even though Tikal may have been brought up in a rather inhospitable world: tainted in conflict, greed and political stand-off, she always managed to be a kindhearted pacifist. Tikal's morals are based primarily off of those of her grandmother's, who possessed a conduct comparable to that of her granddaughter. Tikal loves peace, she loves understanding, and she loves harmony among all. But unfortunately, her father was greedy and desired power for his people, and was willing to go to dreadful measures to achieve such a goal. Although her burning fortitude in defending the peace and tranquility that her people had once embraced was always kindled, her father was even more stubborn. All the compassionate, caring, and pacifist Tikal wants is peace and concord among her people and their foes. In the end, her father realizes too late that maybe he should have listened to her…

Historical biography:

           Tikal the Echidna was raised in a time of conflict for her people. Her father, Chief Pachachamac, who inherited the ranking from his mother, has single-handedly evolved their tribe from a meager band of ruffians to an all out unstoppable body of war. He was greedy and even though his people were being supported humbly, and were at the top of the political food chain, he still wanted more; just like any powerful man would.

           Tikal seems to have been raised mostly by her grandmother, who passed on her teachings, morality, and mythology of their people to Tikal. Tikal respected her grandmother and believed in her teachings wholeheartedly; which resulted in the young teenage, peace-loving echidna we know from her portrayals. She opposed and detested her father's greed and no matter how much she begged him to stop his race for power, she would come out fruitless. Tikal would often seek sanctuary and tranquility at the Emerald shrine near her civilization's primary settlement in what is now the Mystic Ruins (this was all before Angel Island ascended to the skies) when she was angered by her father. She would often amuse herself with the chao that dwelled there, along with the mysterious water spirit who communicated with her via an unknown method. All it was evident by was when the small pool that surrounded the shrine would ripple out of nowhere.

            For Tikal, things seemed rather normal for awhile. That is until her father had set his eyes upon the Chaos Emeralds. He knew these gems could give his race total power. On a lone night, Pachacamac, leading a group of echidna warriors, presented themselves before the Emerald shrine (which was now in flames), ready to take control by force. Tikal made one last stand, spreading her arms out and begging them to stop their greedy intentions. Naturally, they didn't listen. Pachacamac ordered his men to charge, and so they did; trampling his own daughter and the chao in the process.

           The soldiers and Pachacamac ran up the stairs that led to the altar, but before they got to the Master Emerald, they were intercepted by a puddle of glowing blue liquid that arose to take shape of a most anomalous sentient. With ominous, glowing green eyes and a brain visible through its transparent bulk, the water spirit had now taken its physical form. And what Tikal seemed to have forgot to mention was that this water spirit lived to protect the chao that frolicked around these parts. So it goes without saying that this creature was mighty pissed off. It used the seven Chaos Emeralds itself and turned into a giant monster, destroying everything, including Pachacamac and his soldiers.

           Tikal managed to awaken, despite her mortal wounds. The beast had gone off to wreak more havoc, so she took it upon herself to stop it. She ran to the Master Emerald and recited the ancient spell, which negated the Chaos Emeralds effects, not to mention locked away the water spirit in its girth. Unfortunately, it locked away Tikal's soul along with the water spirit in the process, ultimately bringing forth her demise. Several echidnas survived and they made it their sworn duty to protect the Master Emerald so this evil will never be released again. It was then that this water beast was named Chaos and the seven all-powerful jewels were called the Chaos Emeralds.

           Some 3000 years later, Dr. Robotnik finds ancient tablets that interpret this tragic event. But instead of considering the consequences, Eggman sets out to free and exploit Chaos; planning to use Chaos to wipe out the city of Station Square and on its ruins mount Eggmanland (or Robotnikland), the "ultimate city." On a dark, windy evening, the Master Emerald is shattered. Which afterwards, a glowing puddle of liquid appears before Knuckles — Chaos has been freed. The echidna made a stand but ultimately failed, and the liquid lifeform made a quick getaway before Knuckles could retaliate. However, a strange ball of glowing light also went flying out of the shattered pile of Master Emerald shards.

           This ethereal ball of light journeyed around for awhile and each time it touched one of our heroes, they entered a flashback scenario. This ball of light was Tikal and she was trying to enlighten them on the situation at hand: Chaos was free and the world was in danger. This was later proven once Chaos stopped obeying Eggman and decided to finish what it had started thousands of years ago. It took the seven Chaos Emeralds itself and formed into Perfect Chaos and totally decimated Station Square. When Sonic made it there to survey the carnage, he was confronted by the ball of light once more, which then took physical form: Tikal.

           Tikal pleaded that they must go to the Master Emerald to seal Chaos away once more. But Sonic wouldn't go for that, since he knew that if they were to do that, it wouldn't solve anything… Chaos would still be angered and corrupted; trapped forever! Sonic instead used the positive power of the now negative-energy-depleted Chaos Emeralds and transformed into Super Sonic. He easily managed to defeat Chaos, neutralizing him and causing him to become passive once more. It was then that Chaos returned to normal. Tikal and Chaos arose in the air, disappearing into the Master Emerald to live in peace forever.

Personal information:

Greatest friend(s): The chao that inhabited the Master Emerald shrine, and Chaos: the mysterious water spirit that protects the chao.

Other friend(s): N/A (Possibly Knuckles the Echidna, since they're part of the same tribe. He was shown more visions than the others.)

Rival(s): N/A

Enemy(s): N/A

Likes: Peace and harmony among all, the chao at the Master Emerald shrine, and being able to spend time there with them.

Dislikes: War, greed, and any meaningless immoral intentions.

Favorite food(s): Unknown.

Favorite color(s): Unknown.

Occupation: Unemployed.

Place of residence: When she was alive, she probably resided somewhere near the large temple seen in the Mystic Ruins. Now that she is deceased, her soul lies in harmony with Chaos' in the Master Emerald.

GAME INFORMATION

Franchise name: Tikal the Echidna

Original purpose: Supporting role in Sonic Adventure.

Current purpose: Hasn't changed; she no longer appears as a key character in the storylines of the Sonic games.

Date of first promotion/presence in the industry: Tikal's debut in the industry came along with the release of the Dreamcast title, Sonic Adventure, released first in Japan on December 23rd of 1998.

Years in service: Almost 4 years — no sign of Tikal has been seen in a Sonic game since her presence Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut. This field is subject to change if she makes another appearance in future titles.

Original Designer: Unconfirmed. Yuji Uekawa, or Takashi Iizuka?

Design process: Unconfirmed. Tikal's design process was probably similar to how all of the others were made. Many design sketches were made, and Tikal's final design was chosen. Simple as that.

Possible design inspirations: Tikal has design inspiration written allover her. Sonic Adventure's storyline and environment were both inspired by a trip Sonic Team took over to Central America. Tikal's name, for starters, is after the city of Tikal located in Guatemala. Although it is mostly ruins now, it was one of the most prestigious ancient cities in Mayan culture. Her father's name, Pachachamac, is named after a mythological deity of the culture who has the power of earthquakes and fire. Even her appearance is based off of the tribal attire.

Prestigious design variations: 1
+ - current design
— - original design

- 1, Sonic Adventure, 1998 — + (pictured to the left)

Known Game Voice Actors:
Sonic Adventure (JP): Kaori Aso
Sonic Adventure (US): Elara Distler
Sonic Adventure 2 (US): Elara Distler
Sonic Adventure 2 (JP): Kaori Aso

Sonic Games she has been playable in:
(1). Sonic Adventure 2 (Dreamcast - 2-P mode only)
(2). Sonic Adventure 2: Battle (GameCube - 2-P mode only)

Sonic Games he has made an appearance in:
(1). Sonic Adventure (Dreamcast)
(2). Sonic Adventure DX: Director's Cut (GameCube)

Non-video game portrayals:

(1). Sonic the Hedgehog, SOA-licensed by Archie comics (Comic series)
(2). Sonic the Comic, SOE-licensed by Egmont Fleetway (Comic series)
(3). Sonic X, made in Japan, then later dubbed for US release (Anime TV Series)

Personal character analysis/commentary (by Nuclear Envoy):

          Tikal's importance to the storyline in Sonic Adventure was pretty tight, but since she is dead, her usefulness pretty much ended beyond there. Her presence in SA2 and SA2:B as a playable character in 2-P mode was probably because Sonic Team thought the fans might like it. Most, such as myself, really didn't care, and some actually considered it unusual that she was there.

          But what the sweet echidna princess does get points for is the fact that she is virtually the only Sonic character oriented around culture. Knuckles' may be about his lost civilization and all, but he doesn't give off a hint of culture. Tikal is named with cultural references and her attire screams it, which heeds potential for story and creativity, which it definitely did for Sonic Adventure.

          On the rare occasion you're going to actually run into a huge Tikal fan, you'll probably find out that her appeal is revolving primarily around that aforementioned cultural flavor she has to her. Her personality is pacifist and docile, which for the most part is just "meh'd" in the fanbase. But don't be surprised if you do run into a Tikal fan that likes her because of how she acts. People do like Tails, afterall.

          Never the less, Sonic Adventure 2: Battle's 2-P mode is probably the last we'll ever see of Tikal. Next to Void & Lumina from Sonic Shuffle and Gamma, Tikal seems to be the only other major character since Sonic Adventure that is on the road to scrapville. And even then, there are still shades of Gamma in today's Sonic games unlike with Tikal.