#roran

WARNING: SENSITIVE IMAGE! WARNING! Roran without a beard! This is not for the faint of heart!

Lol, enough with the jokes, here's my art of our beloved Roran. I made it a little different this time and did something more sketchy and simple so it wouldn't take so long to deliver new art to you all.

Probably some of you will find the appearance strange at first. I'll explain the reason for this design in the visual references. I wanted to portray him before his characteristic beard at the beginning of the first book and throughout the second, because even searching I couldn't find much art portraying him like that, so I thought it would be nice to make it different. However, don't worry, because I will also do art of "Strong Hammer" in the future.

Even so, I hope you like how it turned out and also like the little hint in Katrina's design!

1.) Roran and Saphira never have any significant interaction. They probably should, given that they are, theoretically, the two most important people in Eragon's life.

2.) There's a whole thing in Eldest about Roran blaming Eragon for everything that went wrong with Carvahall. But of course, all of that could just as easily be framed as Saphira's fault. So what if, when the cousins finally reunite, Roran forgives Eragon for the things that weren't his fault but decides that it's Saphira whose existence has put a blight on their whole town? Cue subplot about Eragon dealing with the tension between these two. It also gives Saphira a unique relationship, as otherwise she's just friends/enemies with whomever Eragon is friends/enemies with.

3.) When Eragon goes to the dwarf election and does nothing to actively influence it, what if, instead of just creating a ghostly Eragon illusion to trick people, they use that spell to make Roran look like him? He grew up with Eragon, so he'd presumably be the best person to imitate him. So instead of him going off to random battles that don't really matter, you have him and Saphira forced to spend time together, hash out their feelings, and presumably form some sort of reluctant friendship.

These are not in chronological order, they are organized by category.

(long post warning)

Eragon will act as mediator between Roran and Murtagh. More to help Murtagh understand Roran than vice versa. He can vouch for Murtagh’s moral code, but his choice of actions and thought processes consistently surprise him.

Murtagh takes note of Roran and Eragon’s playful affection. The arm around the shoulders that turns into a headlock, the hair ruffling, the playful shoves and punches, the hug wrestling. Murtagh’s not one to participate in such actions but it brings the shadow of a smile to his face seeing this affectionate piece of their relationship.

Roran is the broadest and brawniest of the trio.

Given Roran’s physique, Murtagh does NOT like the idea of sparring him. He will if asked, but only weapons, he refuses to spar barehanded. Even with weapons, he knows that one strike from Roran will make him see stars, briefly knock the wind out of him, or make his muscles ache. (Eragon later confides that he once wanted Roran’s broad muscles.)

Watching Murtagh and Eragon spar with swords is quite a show. Both display their lethality and mastery of the blade. They are truly in a class of their own.

Roran admits that he doesn’t like magic for various reasons. By itself, it’s not natural. Some of the effects of it cause threats to others, or disrupts the pattern of nature. He admits it’s a powerful tool and weapon, but what is within the capabilities of magicians, spellcasters and Riders is terrifying and blood chilling. His only concession with magic is when it is used for healing. He’s surprised when Murtagh agrees, understands, even validates his viewpoint. He is shocked and floored when Murtagh asks if Roran would prefer he not do magic under his roof. Roran allows healing, but "if you can do something with your hands, forgo it." Murtagh agrees saying that’s how he prefers things. This greatly helps their relationship.

Roran realizes an irony in his relationship with his cousin-brothers. He’s had to adjust to view of Eragon, accepting that Eragon has changed and grown in his power, and is no longer fully human, but is still the same man he’s known his whole life. He’s had to make concessions while wanting to hold on to what makes Eragon, well Eragon.

With Murtagh, his initial introduction to Murtagh’s existence is that of an angry, destructive, bitter traitor and war leader. As he’s gotten to know Murtagh more, he sees Murtagh’s humanity. His kindness, compassion and concern for others. His protective streak, and a ferocity that stems from love and concern for the wellbeing of those he takes into his heart. Seeing this side of Murtagh helps Roran bring his guard down around him. Seeing this side of him helps him understand why Eragon became friends with him. It makes Roran grateful that Murtagh protected Eragon when he couldn't.

With one, he tries to hold onto humanity in spite of magical changes. Tries to hold to what's left of his precious brother. The other, he sees humanity in what was thought to be a destructive force. He sees a worthy ally and someone he will not regret to call family.

**********

Eragon: absolutely no capital letters. Uses spellchecker but doesn’t check what the spellchecker said. Very good at conveying tone though, and he does use punctuation. Waits in hopes you’ll text him back.

Murtagh: Only cares that the text looks neat and polite. Unless you’re an enemy, in which case insulting emojis may be used. Either great at replying or disappears for 3 months.

Nasuada: Impeccable. Punctuated, grammar rules apply, all ten yards. Replies on a schedule.

Arya: Huge vocabulary, conflictingly will use a ton of abbreviations abbreviations. “Sry brb defenestrating faulty accomplices atm”. Would absolutely curse in the group chat. Replies at random. Would probably use voice notes and curse by accident at some point.

Roran: no punctuation, spelling skills, or basic coherency. does not use spellchecker and usually takes forever to reply.

Oromis: Replies to nothing. Keeps read notes off. Occasionally leaves terrible political meme.

Thorn: Would take selfies and try to drag Saphira and Fírnen into them.

Saphira: Just watches the chat and never says anything unless she can embarrass Eragon

Fírnen: adores group chats