Placement Screen shot

Just a screenshot of two characters.  Was messing with placement for scenes like this. Decided to post this just because haven’t shown anyone on this background.

Eraeli Bio

Art by Henry

From a land beyond even the farthest corners of the Empire, Eraeli is known to her people as a Vahun-Raat. Meaning Child of the Gods, the Vahun-Raat are individuals given blessings from the gods of the land which for Eraeli meant a third eye.  The only one within her clan she was at one point being primed to be a spiritual leader of sorts, but instead found her true calling as the Avatar of Crafting.  Using her third eye to perceive and understand the true potential of anything (or anyone) she sees, Eraeli has become the most respected blacksmith within her lands as well as an excellent coach for aspiring hunters and warriors.  Eventually growing bored with her Vahun-Raat life she set out to go on an adventure to see distant lands, experience new techniques, craft with more exotic materials, and bring home new ideas and philosophies to her people.   During her travels she has already made quite a name for herself in other lands, with her unique abilities making her in high demand among the rich and powerful seeking someone to create the perfect monument or weapon in their honor. She finds herself in the Empire in hopes of gaining an audience with the Empress to fully explore Zhu materials and forge a weapon as a gesture of friendship from her distant people in case they ever have official contact.

Eraeli Concept

I knew early on I wanted to have some characters that helped show the magic nature of the setting without being mages themselves. I also wanted a character that while they could fight it wasn't their primary purpose. I combined the two and developed it into the idea for Eraeli. I made her a traveling blacksmith from outside of the Empire so I could have a reason to show in greater detail how others feel about the setting as well as expand on what world building would be possible over the course of the VN.  Setting her from outside of the empire gave me greater flexibility in what she looked like and decided to go with a more African influence with addition of a third eye for a more mystical look helping to cement that she was indeed from a fantasy setting and offer both a needed perspective as well as show off some more non combat mystic elements.  

Rontu

art by http://danillovesfood.deviantart.com/

This is a domesticated equine like creature within the setting called a Rontu. Some more info follows.

They are the most common form of personal transportation among the Zhu people. Most households own at least one and is used for quick transportation between 1 to 2 people. As such Cities have locations to leave them at, and many stores have lots made to hold them. It is also common for cities to have fields specifically for you to leave them in upon entering the area, where they will be called back when you are done. They are treated as any other property with laws differentiating no different than any household item and less than weapons. As such they are thought of as living items and not really as pets.

Lifespan: 5 to 10 years

Behavior: They are docile creatures towards people, rarely showing signs of aggression unless attacked by them. Towards other animals they are the same unless it’s a predator in which case they will try to run away. Generally speaking a Rontu will wander around, eating and running in a large circle when left alone by its owner. They’ll try to stay in the area for a day, after which if no sign of their owner they’ll leave to head home. 

Keiji Bio

Art by http://mahenbu.deviantart.com/

The Shima Clan had traditionally stayed passive in the wars that ravaged their land, a collection of religious villages that focused more on dealings with the spirit world.  Over time they found themselves dragged into conflict more and more, the changing nature of war and politics of the region slowly building up more and more enemy clans that sought their destruction.  Shima had no choice but to embrace the old ways once more, their summoners and samurai retrained for war over the last few generations to face these new conflicts and more than capable of going on the offensive.  This new more war ready Shima clan was the one that Keiji was born into, one of Boss Shima's several sons his life was a mix of luxury and bloodshed.  While not next in line for control he was still expected to be a leader and began fighting in the wars of his clan when he was barely even a teenager.  He had received the best of training and been augmented with old Shima relics to further his potential, awakening a deadly killing machine beneath his soft girly appearance.  Outside of battle the young Lord always seems happy and cheerful and more focused on romantic pursuits than any glory.  Any familiar with him know however that regardless of his personality his loyalty to his clan means he will do anything to protect and hidden under his feminine gaze are the eyes of a hardened killer.