chlorophyll

After around 6 months of irregularly working on this, the Exiles fancy party comp is finished. Because I worked on this with long breaks inbetween drawing sessions, I think it's kind of apparent which characters I finished first and which - last. But it's kind of cool seeing how my skills change over a relatively short span of time :)

A lot has happened since this scene, including killing a god, dying many times over and losing several limbs. Aina is no closer to making out with the bbeg (but we persevere).

From the left - Trevor (Dwarven Cleric), Hargots (Half-Orc Barbarian), Aglio (Human Ranger), Ainadamar (Centaur Paladin), Percival (Half-Elf Sorcerer), Askals (Elven Bard).

A Fever Dream (Everything Everything) - When I initially created her, this was the song that was to be her encapsulation. A Paladin of Order that was thrust into a confusing and painful world, she would think that she had the right of it every time. Her concept changed, but the song stayed. It still applies to her character, but in a slightly different way. The vibe kind of flows into the next song; a call to action, a conviction.

Butterflies and Hurricanes (Muse) - Partially about the circumstances of Aina's childhood and adolescence, a setting of academic prowess. She wanted to be great, aspired to be like her mother. The other part more applies to our campaign's themes and setting - what will it take to make you take a stand and act?

Suburban War (Arcade Fire) - A return to childhood in reminiscence. I chose this song to describe Ainadamar growing up, realising that adolescence is a time long past and, while traces of it remain in our lives, change is inevitable and often quiet. It wasn't intentional, but a non-zero part of her character is about learning to grow up, and it conflicts with her already having lived an adult life for quite a while (and also being 49 y.o.).

Wallowa Lake Monster (Sufjan Stevens) - A lot of this playlist revolves around Ainadamar's mom Vernissage, about her having passed and Aina having to live on, grappling with the memory and impact Vernissage left. This song in particular, while also about the general grief, is more about coming to grips with her mother not matching Ainadamar's childish idealised view of her.

Hero (Wildcat! Wildcat!) - A bit of an extension of the previous song. Also a little bit about persisting in an uncertain world with an uncertain future.

Map of the Problematique (Muse) - One of two songs from her ship playlist that I've put in her own, because I wanted to demonstrate how Ainadamar is being changed by her feelings. This song works in tandem with A Fever Dream with regard to uncertainty and the emotional toll it bestows. But it's mainly about how Ainadamar is torn apart by her unrequited and frankly incredibly selfish infatuation.

Henrietta (Yeasayer) - Another Vernissage song. This one describing the lingering effects of a person after their death. There is a hopeful note in this rather bleak song - a certainty that a person (and, more importantly, the love) persists in some form long after they are gone.

Baltā Haizivs (Hospitāļu iela) - Translates to The Great White Shark. This song is in the playlist mainly for the vibes. However, I also interpret the lyrics as feeling the oppressive presence of someone who is not in the room. Also likely (way more likely) that the lyrics describe an abusive relationship, in which case it does not apply to Ainadamar as such, but illustrates her feelings of frustration toward her mother.

Can't Do (Everything Everything) - Ainadamar is (at least recently) quite self-pitying. She thinks she lacks something crucial to achieve her goals. Despite this she struggles on.

Spanish Sahara (Foals) - The second of the ship songs, although this one can either be about Ainadamar's feelings about Vernissage's death OR Aina grappling with her adoration of and loathing for the sorceress she loves. Depending on my mood it can be either.

Albatross (Foals) - Describes her relationship with duty born of legacy. She wants to live up to the impact Vernissage left behind, but she also craves power (though she doesn't realise it herself) and admiration, she wants to get out of her mother's shadow.

Tava Nasta Būs Mūžība (Hospitāļu iela) - Translates to Your Burden Will Be Eternity. Quite a dark song lyrically (dealing with suicidality and depression), but as it applies to Ainadamar it's more a sequel to Can't Do. Especially in the campaign currently it's a good representation of her inner emotional state.

Moonlight (Everything Everything) - Part three to Can't Do. Describes feeling stuck in place, feeling helpless - a representation of the campaign state currently, as well.

Wizard Talk (Everything Everything) - The companion song to Suburban War, in a way, or rather a continuation. Illustrates Ainadamar's weariness, but is also mostly here for the vibes.

Replica (The XX) - The big Ainadamar Theme. Continues ideas from Albatross, but this is a much more succinct illustration of her feelings about making the same mistakes and choices Vernissage made, of living as an extension of her mother. Coupled with how Ainadamar feels about Vernissage now, understanding what she did and why, this song is Ainadamar. This may change if Ainadamar ever grows up.

Fourth of July (Sufjan Stevens) - Grief about Vernissage's death.

In The Backseat (Arcade Fire) - Learning to live on her own, after Vernissage's passing.