For the most part, the series focuses on the echidnas, who are an advanced but divided civilization in the Sonic universe. Knuckles himself is a member of the Brotherhood of Guardians, an ancient organization dedicated to preserving echidna culture and protecting the Floating Island. Their main adversaries are the Dark Legion, a rogue faction of echidnas obsessed with intellectualism, weapons and cybernetic implants. Due to both factions deriving from the same echidna bloodline, both hold equal claim to ruling over the Floating Island's echidna populace. All echidnas, however, are united in the struggle against the Floating Island's second major race, dingoes, who strongly resent echidnas. The various conflicts driven by these predicaments serve as the main driving force of most storylines. Other major plot threads include encounters with other echidna civilizations around Mobius, a conspiracy of poisoned food being sold on the Floating Island, Knuckles' affiliation with the Acorn royal family from the surface of Mobius and sinister forces attempting to steal the power of the Chaos Emeralds, powerful gemstones that keep the Floating Island aloft. Main characters With the exception of Knuckles, the Chaotix, and a few others, Knuckles the Echidna featured a completely original cast of characters created specifically for the book, some of whom have gone on to play a large part in the regular Sonic the Hedgehog series and universe. Heroes Knuckles the Echidna Sworn guardian of the Floating Island trained by his father Locke. While often headstong and gullible, Knuckles has a strong sense of justice and is always willing to protect the innocent. Julie-Su A former soldier of the villainous Dark Legion, Julie-Su has since defected and become one of Knuckles' closest allies. Often depicted as Knuckles' love interest, Julie-Su has a psychic connection to Knuckles through a phenomenon known as the Soultouch, which has designated her and Knuckles to be soulmates. Chaotix A group of warriors formed by Knuckles to help him defend the Floating Island, the Chaotix consists of the laid-back crocodile Vector, the spunky armadillo Mighty, the mischievous bee Charmy and the mysterious chameleon Espio. Later in the series, Julie-Su joins their ranks. Locke the Echidna Knuckles' father and a loyal member of the Brotherhood of Guardians, Locke trained his son to guard the Floating Island, but seemingly abandoned him at a young age. Locke makes short, sporadic reappearances throughout the series to guide his son. Archimedes A fire ant who