Lesson 3 Assignment

Character:

Sloffy was a male house-elf student. Like most from the house-elf race, Sloffy longed to one day be bonded to a manor and serve the wizard or witch house owner. Sloffy was loyal and obedient. However, his biggest character flaw was his extreme laziness. He habitually got into trouble at house-elf school because he subconsciously found loopholes in or misinterpreted his orders to escape hard work. He enjoyed thinking, creating, or sleeping rather than cleaning. Like most house-elves, Sloffy wore wraps made from bed sheets and tea towels; however, Sloffy's attire was usually somewhat soiled.

I named him Sloffy because it sounds sluggish and messy; it sounds like such words as sloth, slough, and slob. House elves typically have pet-like names and do not have surnames.

Country:

Sloffy attended house-elf school at the Docilton Prep Academy in the country of Biddabloo. Biddabloo is a hidden land beyond the boundaries of the Wizard World. In ancient times, Biddabloo was a land where social misfits of the elfin race (mostly due to their short stature, large eyes, and meek nature) were outcast. When a population explosion threatened the survival of Biddabloonians, they discovered a way to escape from the confinements of the small country. Wealthy wizards agreed to "house" elves in exchange for their service, loyalty, and lifelong bondage to their manors. This practice gave rise to the Biddabloonian value of acquiescent service and allegiance. It became shameful to work for monetary rewards or to be freed from a master's bondage. The Docilton Academy was founded to teach young elves to be subservient and loyal and to teach the study of home economics known as house-elfing. The top Docilton graduates were located in the manors of the noblest wizards.

I chose the name Biddabloo for this country of house-elves because it was derived from the word "biddable", which means compliant.

Invention:

In secret, Sloffy purchased the latest house-elfing gadget. The gadget was called "The Imp Claw", a robotic device resembling a claw that will do light housework, such as dusting, ironing, and tidying. The biggest benefit to owners of an Imp Claw is that it is invisible to a noble wizard's naked eye. Invented by a dark wizard, The Imp Claw circulated on the black market, and Sloffy resolved to the purchase, giving in to his lazy nature. However, as the Imp Claw was developed by an evil wizard, it possessed some hindering magical qualities that would lead to more trouble for Sloffy.

I chose the name "Imp Claw" because it is a claw that is "impossible to see" AND because, being developed by an evil wizard, "imp" is a derogatory word for elf; dark wizards often mistreated and mocked house elves.