Solunos

I love yokai (anything supernatural and mythological really). So to say Yae Miko is a favorite character of mine is an understatement. She’s my reliable Electro DPS, and I wanna see her dressed up to the nines; elaborately patterned kimono with many layers, a fox mask that moves according to her expression, all her tails out and about, the whole shebang.

Like, she’s still Ei’s familiar and a shrine maiden, but she’ll also show up at yokai festivals and parades as this powerful ayakashi.

I just find it hilarious that Zhongli has a legitimate punishment he titled ‘The Wrath of the Rock’, and that Yanfei stumbled onto it when reading a very old book on law and decided to add it to her attacks. Plus, Yanfei was one of my first main DPS. Drawing her kinda made me wanna play as her again.

I think I kinda found the medium I prefer when using my pens, which is essentially monochrome using copics (as long as I am careful, I can avoid the whole bleed situation), then adding a wash of colour or pops of colour on top. Still needs some refinement, but getting there.

Furina used to be Focalors, both the human and the divine in one, as an Oceanid that was given human form by Egeria. After Egeria’s death, Focalors separated herself into two, the human and the divine. She named the human ‘Furina’, but they are still one and the same. Furina just doesn’t have the memories Focalors has.

The duality of this one person being two, the fact that Furina has to fool everyone that she is a god to save them, it reminds me a lot of the white and black swan from Swan Lake. That’s the main inspiration behind Furina being the black swan (pretending to be the white swan, that is the divine part of herself). I added elements of the in-game versions of the two swans in their outfits and colours, though I did debate on giving them just the actual ballerina outfits from Swan Lake.

Plus, Furina can switch between Pneuma and Ousia, and with how her outfit changes from white to black respectively, it reminds me of how the role of Odile and Odette are now played by one dancer, switching between the two.

Also, here’s some sketches that I made in preparation for the final outcome. The pose is actually from the dance at the conclusion of the archon quest, with her hands posed that way briefly. I didn’t choose the final bow because it would not be very easy to show that mirroring effect.

Secret peek of how the first drawing went.

Baizhu just chilling out, watering his plants, sipping his warm tea, and Changsheng still sleeping the morning away. I drew this before even reading his Good Morning voice line, so imagine my pleasant surprise when I found out that he does drink tea before breakfast. I don’t know if he canonically has plants he takes care of, but he does give me that vibe.

In relation to Yōkai, my favourite anime of all time is Natsume Yuujinchou, so I hope this evokes the same feel for you guys. Thoma’s voice lines about Yōkai particularly reminds me of Taki’s grandfather’s own passion, and that’s what really drove me to create this drawing.

There is one big reason why Yumkasaur.

It is (currently, other than a Qucusaur) that can save Bennett out of most situations should he go exploring in Natlan.

Because cliffs. Sheer cliffs. Before Xilonen, I have had many falls… so many deaths to falling with no stamina and not enough reaction time for a plunge attack.

So, in case Benny accidentally walked off a cliff or something, his Yumkasaur buddy will grapple him to safety.

Or, like in my drawing, cushioning him safely should he fall.