| Faidal | |
| Fictional Character | |
| Chicxulub Asteroid Missed POD: 66 million years ago | |
| Appearance(s): | "The Quest for the Great Gray Mossy" |
| Type of Appearance: | Direct |
| Nationality: | Unnamed |
| Species: | Greenskin |
| Religion: | World Egg |
| Cause of Death: | Eaten by the Great Gray Mossy |
| Occupation: | Mossy hunter |
Faidal was the lead harpooner in Captain Baja's boat. Faidal as his fellows were from the deserts south of the Middle Sea. The rest of the crew of the Queepahd held Faidal and his people in awe and terror, considering them demonic.[1]
When the Queepahd spotted the first mossy of the season, Baja ordered first mate Stabbak, to stay aboard, assuring him that Faidal would harpoon the mossy without risk.[2] This proved correct: aboard Shtup's boat, Geekgeek harpooned the mossy first, and Faidal finished the job.[3]
The Queepahd continued its journey as Baja hunted the Great Gray Mossy. The crew soon grew dissatisfied. Milvil was able to eavesdrop on the harpooners. Geekgeek and the harpooner Tashteg both agreed that Baja was probably crazy. Another harpooner, Ootag was amused by their complaints, pointing out that the trip was already profitable, and so Baja could be crazy. When Geekgeek suggested that Baja's behavior might sink the Queepahd, Faidal angrily assured the others that the gods he worshipped had ordained that Baja could only be killed by a "hempen necklace."[4]
Two days later, the Queepahd encountered the Flowerbud under the command of Captain Kain. Kain informed Baja that the Great Gray Mossy had overturned a harpoon boat containing Kain's eldest hatchling. Kain asked for help in the search, but Baja simply asked where the encounter had taken place. Once Kain had done so, Baja ordered the Queepahd to the location. He informed an irate Kain that he was not going to help, but he did wish Kain luck.[5]
More days passed, though the search proved fruitless. When Stabbak once again tried to convince Baja to give up the hunt, but Baja refused.[6] And then one day, they finally found the Great Gray Mossy. Milvil and Geekgeek made their way to Shtup's boat. On his way, Milvil heard Stabbak informing Baja that he also wanted to go out.[7]
Shtup's boat arrived alongside the Great Gray Mossy. Geekgeek threw his harpoon and struck. While the Great Gray Mossy initially fled, it abruptly turned and ate both Geekgeek and a rower, narrowly missing Milvil. The boat capsized and the survivors fell into the ocean. Baja arrived, and personally threw his own harpoon into the Mossy. When the Mossy again fled, the hemp line wrapped around Baja's neck and pulled him into the ocean. The Mossy turned round again. Faidal cut the line that held Baja, and then began throwing harpoons himself, until the Great Gray Mossy ate him as well.[8]
Literary Comment[]
Faidal is based on Fedallah in Moby-Dick.
References[]
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